New Delhi: After India defeated New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023 by 4 wickets, former Indian player and batting coach opened up about the situation of team India after their loss against the Kiwis in the 2019 semifinals.
Banger, while speaking during a show on Star Sports, said, “It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase and to bow out like that was not good, Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room.”
Replying to this statement, the former World Cup-winning Indian captain, MS Dhoni, said, “It’s difficult to control emotions when you lose close games. I keep my plans ready for every game and for me, it was the last game I played for India. I made the announcement a year later but that day, I retired.”
MS Dhoni talking about 2019 WC Run out, Tears, Emotions and his retirement 🥺#Dhoni #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/avTjwex5NH
— Sara Tendulkar Commentary (@i_saratendulkar) October 26, 2023
Dhoni knew he had played his last international match
MS Dhoni revisited the events that took after the match by saying, “We were given some gadgets from the trainer, and every time I went to him, I handed those gadgets back, but he was like, ‘No, no… just keep it.” And I thought, how should I tell him that it wasn’t needed anymore, because I didn’t want to announce then.”
“At 5 for 3, had Dhoni gone, the game was over. But Dhoni in the 48th over, with his computer out. Oh you were very much in the game but for that run-out.”
Ravi Shastri on why Dhoni was not sent earlier in World Cup semi-final v New Zealand in 2019.”pic.twitter.com/j7mkSCqcbs
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) October 22, 2023
“When you are high on emotions and the only thing you have done in the last 12-15 years is playing cricket, and then there’s no more chance of representing your country. It’s a thing with sportspersons. So, once I quit cricket, there was no way I could be representing my country again and bring that glory back. So, you are high on emotions that time,” the former Indian captain further added.
The retirement
MS Dhoni announced his retirement officially through his Instagram post, in which he posted a video of his memorable moments from cricket and showed everyone who helped him along the way in his journey.
The post was captioned, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired.”
Check out the post below:
View this post on Instagram
Post-retirement Dhoni
Dhoni, after his retirement, continued to play for his IPL side Chennai Super Kings. He led the team to two title wins after that, in 2021 and 2023.
Dhoni, in the post-match interview after the 2023 IPL final, said that he will try to return one last time as a gift for his fans for their immense support of him and his team throughout the tournament.
