Why did MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina retire on 15 August 2020?

By Ravi - Aug 15, 2025 08:59 PM
Last updated on Aug 15, 2025 08:59 PM

The name of MS Dhoni, one of India's most successful captains in white ball cricket, has become immortal in Indian cricket forever. Under Dhoni's leadership, Team India won not one or two, but 3 ICC trophies. His international career started in 2004 and in the next 16 years, he made many records in his name. Then came the date when Dhoni said goodbye to his career, that is, on 15 August 2020, he announced his retirement. Do you know why MS Dhoni retired on 15 August (India Independence Day)?

Why did MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina retire on 15 August 2020?

The date of 15 August is special not only for MS Dhoni but also for one of his best friends Suresh Raina. Both of them ended their international cricket career on the same day. Five years ago, Raina himself told why he and Dhoni announced their retirement on 15 August.

After retiring on 15 August 2020, Suresh Raina revealed in a media interview that, Both of us had already decided that we will announce our retirement on 15 August (Saturday). Dhoni's jersey number is '7' and my jersey number is '3'. Both of them make 73 and on 15 August (2020) India completed 73 years of independence. So there could not have been a better day for retirement.

Former cricketer Suresh Raina also said that Dhoni started his career on 23 December 2004, while his career started on 30 July 2005. Raina said that both of them started their careers at almost the same time, they were together in Chennai Super Kings for many years and they also decided to retire together.

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