MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Five years ago, on this day, India’s legendary captain and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni bid farewell to international cricket, drawing the curtains on a career that transformed the landscape of Indian cricket. At exactly 7:29 pm on August 15, 2020, Dhoni stunned the cricketing world with a brief Instagram post: “Thanks a lot for your support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired.” Minutes later, his long-time teammate and friend Suresh Raina joined him in announcing his own retirement, making it a double blow for fans.‘Thala’, skipper, icon, legend, ICC Hall of Famer — Dhoni’s career was a glittering showcase of trophies and milestones. Respected across the globe for his calm demeanour and sharp cricketing mind, he rose from Ranchi’s dusty grounds to become ‘Captain Cool’, redefining leadership in world cricket.In his very first assignment as captain, Dhoni led India to the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007. Four years later, he guided the team to the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup triumph, ending a 28-year wait. In 2013, under intense scrutiny, he silenced critics by clinching the Champions Trophy — making him the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball trophies.Across formats, Dhoni’s numbers underline his greatness: 17,266 international runs, 829 dismissals, and 538 matches for India. His Test career ended quietly after the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in 2014, having scored 4,876 runs in 90 matches at 38.09, with six centuries and a highest score of 224.His most prolific arena remained ODIs — 10,773 runs in 350 matches at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries, 73 fifties, and a career-best 183*. In T20Is, he featured in 98 matches, scoring 1,617 runs at 37.60 and a strike rate of 126.13, with two fifties.Five years on, Dhoni’s international career may be over, but his legacy continues. Still turning out for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, the 44-year-old has aged like fine wine — a leader, a finisher, and an icon whose impact on Indian cricket remains unmatched.