MS Dhoni announces retirement with four-minute Instagram video

The former India captain, who played 538 times for his country in all formats, revealed via an Instagram post on Saturday that he is calling time on a long and distinguished career at the age of 39

MS Dhoni has announced his retirement.

The former India captain, who played 538 times for his country in all formats, revealed via an Instagram post to his 26.6million followers on Saturday that he is calling time on a long and distinguished career at the age of 39.

Dhoni released a simple four-minute video featuring still imagery from across his time with the national side.

In a short message alongside, he wrote: "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."

The wicketkeeper batsman made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2004 and went on to play in the format a further 339 times. He also turned out in 90 Test matches and 98 T20Is. 

His final international appearance came in the World Cup semi-final defeat by New Zealand at Old Trafford last July.

Dhoni scored more than 17,000 runs for his country, contributed 16 centuries, claimed over 800 dismissals, and skippered India to world title glory on home turf in 2011. He was the captain when India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, changing the BCCI's outlook on T20 entirely, and was in charge for victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Reports in India suggest Dhoni's retirement announcement relate only to the international arena, and that he will feature in the upcoming IPL for Chennai Super Kings.

The Indian T20 franchise league is due to take place in the UAE from late September.

Dhoni has become an icon of the sport in India. The Ranchi-born former railway ticket inspector, over a period of 15 years, established himself as the world's leading run-chase finisher and a smart presence behind the stumps

However, his impact on the national side had been slowly diminishing, and he has faced fresh challenges for his place from several young wicketkeeper-batsmen.

Within minutes of his announcement, tributes began pouring in from former teammates, ex-pros and fans.

Virender Sehwag, the former India batsman, wrote on social media: "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".

Dhoni's India and Chennai colleague Suresh Raina followed his friend in calling time on his career just minutes after Dhoni's revelation.

MS DHONI IN NUMBERS

Tests: 98

Runs: 4,876

Centuries: 6

Average: 38.09

Dismissals: 294

***

ODIs: 350

Runs: 10,773

Centuries: 10

Average: 50.57

Strike rate: 87.56

Dismissals: 444

***

T20Is: 98

Runs: 1,617

50s: 2

Average: 32.6

Strike rate: 126.13

Dismissals: 91

"It was nothing but lovely playing with you," he wrote. "With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted on Twitter: The 2011 World Cup win was @sachin_rt farewell but masterminded by MS Dhoni... What an incredible international career... You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain & finisher... Cheers for all the memories MS".

BBC Test Match Special commentator Jonathan Agnew wrote in his BBC Sport column: "Dhoni was one of the most colourful and charismatic cricketers of his generation, revered by his fans to an intensity matching Sachin Tendulkar and the Bollywood superstars.

"His wicketkeeping was not aesthetic, but efficient while his aggressive batting will forever link him to limited-overs cricket.

"His big hitting and improvisation was responsible for turning many a match on its head."

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