Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina said that after he and Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni announced their respective retirements, they both hugged and cried a lot.

Dhoni and Rainas announcement of retirement on Saturday from international cricket came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity as well as fans across the globe.

Apart from being teammates for the Indian cricket team, Dhoni and Raina have also shared time playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Raina on Saturday shared a picture on Instagram along with his CSK teammates and announced his decision to join Dhoni in retirement.

While cricket fans were clueless about Dhonis untimely retirement, Raina revealed that he was aware of the former Indian captain announcing the decision after his arrival in Chennai.

Suresh Raina in conversation with Dainik Jagran said, I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready. I along with Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma reached Ranchi on 14th with the chartered plane, and picked up Mahi bhai and Monu Singh.

After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karan sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night, Raina added.

Raina said that they both had decided to announce their retirement on August 15, as it was 73 years since India attained Independence. Interestingly, Dhonis jersey was 7 while Rainas jersey was number 3. Hence, the duo decided it was a good occasion to call it quits. [Even though India completed 73 years of Independence in 2020, it will be the 74th Independence Day on August 15, 2020.]

Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired, Dhoni had posted a message on Instagram along with a video with a background song, Main pal do pal ka shayar hu.

Raina had tweeted, It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!

The duo won’t be playing for Indian cricket team anymore, but will continue to represent CSK at IPL.