Here’s why MS Dhoni retired at 7.29 PM IST

Bengaluru: Just like his Test retirement, MS Dhoni preferred to bow out of international cricket in a quiet way. He took the social media route to announce to the world that he won’t wear the India blue jersey again. But do you know why he chose 19:29 (7:29 PM IST) to bid adieu. Here is the real story.

<p>As India celebrated its 74th Independence Day (August 15), fans were greeted in the evening with Dhoni’s retirement news.</p>

As India celebrated its 74th Independence Day (August 15), fans were greeted in the evening with Dhoni’s retirement news.

<p>It was on Instagram that Dhoni broke the news. He had not played for India since July 2019 when the Virat Kohli-led side exited the World Cup from the semi-final stage. It was a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand on July 10, 2019.</p>

It was on Instagram that Dhoni broke the news. He had not played for India since July 2019 when the Virat Kohli-led side exited the World Cup from the semi-final stage. It was a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand on July 10, 2019.

<p>Many had assumed it to be Dhoni’s final international innings and it turned out to be true a year later. His final innings saw him score 50.</p>

Many had assumed it to be Dhoni’s final international innings and it turned out to be true a year later. His final innings saw him score 50.

<p>He was run out to a brilliant piece of fielding from Martin Guptill. With his dismissal, India’s hopes ended at the World Cup.</p>

He was run out to a brilliant piece of fielding from Martin Guptill. With his dismissal, India’s hopes ended at the World Cup.

<p>Later, speaking in the post-match press conference, skipper Kohli had rued 45 minutes of “bad cricket”.</p>

Later, speaking in the post-match press conference, skipper Kohli had rued 45 minutes of “bad cricket”.

<p>Indian fans were disappointed at India’s semi-final exit. The loss came at around 7.29 PM IST on July 10.</p>

Indian fans were disappointed at India’s semi-final exit. The loss came at around 7.29 PM IST on July 10.

<p>Dhoni chose the exact time of 7.29 PM IST to announce his retirement from international cricket. He wrote on Instagram, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired (sic).”</p>

Dhoni chose the exact time of 7.29 PM IST to announce his retirement from international cricket. He wrote on Instagram, “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired (sic).”

<p>In cricket, timing is important and Dhoni chose the right time to say goodbye to national duties. Now, he will be seen in action in IPL 2020.</p>

In cricket, timing is important and Dhoni chose the right time to say goodbye to national duties. Now, he will be seen in action in IPL 2020.

<p>Dhoni is now part of an IPL preparatory camp in Chennai. He will be leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from September 19 in IPL 2020 in the UAE.</p>

Dhoni is now part of an IPL preparatory camp in Chennai. He will be leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from September 19 in IPL 2020 in the UAE.

<p>Dhoni, who wore jersey No. 7 for India, chose the number 7 while picking his retirement time. Now, many fans are urging the BCCI to retire India jersey No. 7.</p>

Dhoni, who wore jersey No. 7 for India, chose the number 7 while picking his retirement time. Now, many fans are urging the BCCI to retire India jersey No. 7.