MS Dhoni's Retirement from International Cricket: No Role for Sourav Ganguly

The sudden retirement of MS Dhoni from international cricket on August 15, 2020, was a personal decision made by the legendary cricketer. There is no evidence to suggest that Sourav Ganguly or any other individual was responsible for this decision. Dhoni's career was marked by remarkable achievements, and his retirement came after a period of reflection on his future in the sport, especially following India's exit from the T20 World Cup in 2021.

MS Dhoni's Decision to Retire

MS Dhoni made a well-thought-out decision to step away from international cricket. This decision was communicated through a social media post, where he reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude to fans and teammates. The decision was primarily Dhoni's and not influenced by any external factors.

Influence of Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, as the then-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), had a significant role in the Indian cricket ecosystem. However, he did not play a direct role in Dhoni's retirement. It is important to understand that Dhoni's retirement was his personal choice, and any speculation about external influences is speculative at best.

Virat Kohli and the First Test Against Australia

There are claims that Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were responsible for Dhoni's early retirement in 2014. However, the truth is that Dhoni himself expressed his desire to retire from Test cricket during the first Test against Australia in 2014. At 39 years old, Dhoni considered his next cricketing goals and decided to focus on his future outside of international cricket.

Why MS Dhoni Retired?

With approximately 10 months away from international cricket, Dhoni chose to retire at an opportune time. He could play for a few months in IPL (Indian Premier League) and manage the rest of his career away from international cricket. This decision was aligned with his personal goals and future plans.

Support from Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly has always supported MS Dhoni and referred to him as the greatest ODI captain for the Indian team. The idea that Ganguly might deliberately harm Dhoni's career is unfounded. As a noble and selfless individual, Ganguly's focus has always been on the team and his fellow players. Had Dhoni had any reservations about BCCI's contract list, it was clear from Dhoni's actions that he was comfortable with the decision.

Moreover, Ganguly's track record in fostering a team spirit and promoting the best interests of the players speaks for itself. Any claims that he targeted Dhoni are baseless and disrespectful to both players.

In conclusion, MS Dhoni's retirement from international cricket was a personal choice based on his reflections and future plans. There is no evidence to suggest that Sourav Ganguly or any other individual played a role in this decision. The retirement was Dhoni's alone, and everyone involved in Indian cricket, including Ganguly, has a legacy of promoting the game and its players.