MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina made sure cricket fans will never forget the evening of August 15, 2020. Both stalwarts of the game announced their retirements on social media within minutes of each other.
As expected, the online world was flooded with tributes for both players soon after their announcements:
Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
Captain. Leader. Legend. Thanks Mahi bhai for everything you have done for the country! 🇮🇳 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/IhcF6FAicL
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 15, 2020
Elder brother, mentor, captain and above all a legend of the game. Learnt so much from you skipper. The game will miss you 💙 #legend pic.twitter.com/T6WnNPp1RH
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) August 15, 2020
Don't Cry Because it's Over.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020
Smile Because It Happened.
Thank You, MSD🙏 pic.twitter.com/deBOyXlSlj
To have a player like him,Mission Impossible. Na Koi Hai,Na Koi Tha, Na Koi Hoga MS ke jaisa. Players will come & go but there won’t be a calmer man like him. Dhoni with his connect with people having aspirations was like a family member to many cricket lovers. Om Finishaya Namah pic.twitter.com/glemkBUwWT
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020
It was a privilege to have played with a friend and a cricketer who gave many laurels to our country on the cricketing field, very very greatly done on your career @msdhoni #dhoniretires pic.twitter.com/ksfbedyDnQ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
विश्व में एकमात्र ऐसा कैप्टन जिसने भारत को क्रिकेट के हर फॉर्मेट में नम्बर-1 बनाया। हम भारतवासियों को गर्व के अनगिनत मौके देने के लिए शुक्रिया कैप्टन @msdhoni। क्रिकेट के मैदान पर आपकी सफलता युवाओं के लिए हमेशा प्रेरणादायी रहेगी।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2020
From “India A” to “The India” our journey has been full of question marks, commas, blanks & exclamations. Now as you put a full stop to your chapter, I can tell u from experience that the new phase is as exciting and there’s no limit to DRS here!!! Well played @msdhoni @BCCI
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2020
Greatest wicket Keepar batsman,captain @msdhoni I wish you lots of happiness going forward..Thank you for all the great contributions and memories on the field..Congratulation on great 🏏 career.. see you soon in yellow jersey #WhistlePodu @ChennaiIPL #Dhonifinishesoffinstyle
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 15, 2020
The captain who always utilised his resources to the fullest. Really enjoyed the freedom of bowling with you . Wish you all the luck with your second innings. @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/5fC9LJMa5A
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) August 15, 2020
Thanks for everything Mahi Bhai…you will always be special for me, have learnt so much from you! Always wishing you the best! pic.twitter.com/4MFQvHbAzN
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 15, 2020
Thank you @msdhoni bhai for your contribution to Indian cricket, and the mentorship over the years. Congratulations on a remarkable career, and best wishes for the journey ahead! pic.twitter.com/pQfIzEJnHe
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 15, 2020
.@msdhoni has mesmerized millions through his unique style of cricket. I hope he will continue to contribute towards strengthening Indian cricket in the times to come. Best wishes for his future endeavours.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 15, 2020
World cricket will miss the helicopter shots, Mahi!
Congratulations, Suresh on a wonderful career playing 🏏 for India.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020
Still remember our partnership & on-field conversations during your debut Test!
Wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/kyhczi2juE
Congratulations on a top career Bhavesh. Goodluck with everything ahead 😊👍 @ImRaina
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020
Congratulations on a wonderful international career @ImRaina Proud of your contribution. Your exuberance rubbed off on the team. Wishing you the very best in your second innings.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2020