Not August 15! MS Dhoni Reveals The 'Real' Date He Decided To Retire From International Cricket

MS Dhoni officially announced his retirement on August 15, 2020.

MS Dhoni of India is run out by Martin Guptill of New Zealand during resumption of the Semi-Final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand after weather affected play at Old Trafford on July 10, 2019 in Manchester, England. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has disclosed that he struggled to contain his emotions following India's defeat to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. The heart-wrenching run-out during India's unsuccessful chase remains vivid in the memories of millions of Indian fans, and it appears that Dhoni was deeply affected by it.

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as India's greatest-ever captain. He is still the only Indian captain to have won all three ICC tournaments in white-ball cricket. Under his leadership, India secured the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy title. The 42-year-old made his final appearance for India in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Manchester on July 10, 2019. Although Dhoni officially announced his retirement on August 15, 2020, he revealed that he had actually decided to retire after India's defeat to New Zealand in that fateful semi-final, which was spread over two days at Old Trafford.

Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Dhoni disclosed that he had made up his mind to retire after that semi-final. He recalled a conversation with the team trainer in which he informed the trainer that he no longer needed the tracking device used by players.



"It gets difficult to control your emotions when you have lost a close game. And inside, I had made my entire planning. To me, that was the last day I played cricket for India. I took retirement a year later but the fact is that, that day I had retired. We cricketers are given certain machines and all of that. So everytime I went to the trainer I gave it back to him. He said 'No you keep it. And in my mind, I am like 'how do I tell him I won't be needing or using it anymore'. I didn't want to announce it at that point in time," Dhoni shared during the event.

‘Once I Quit Cricket, There Was No Way I Could Represent My Country’: Dhoni

Having served his country for 15 years, Dhoni also revealed that he had a lot on his mind when he finally made the decision.

"You are high on emotions. The only thing you've done in the last 12-15 years is playing cricket. And then there is no more chance of you representing the country. There are so many people but only few get that opportunity. And sportspersons, they have that. Irrespective of which sport you play, you are representing your country. Be it Commonwealth Games, Olympics. So once I quit cricket, there was no way I could represent my country. I am an Indian citizen and all, but to bring some glory for the country and all those things were in my mind, you are high on emotions at that time," he added.

Turning to the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Team India have been performing exceptionally well, winning all five of their matches in the tournament and remaining the only undefeated team. Their next match is against the defending champions, England, scheduled for Sunday, October 29, in Lucknow.