Why MS Dhoni Chose to Announce International Retirement at '19:29' on August 15: facts of '19:29'

 

When a member of the Indian cricket team announces retirement, it is a big day. But the news of MS Dhoni’s retirement is like national news. The day became heavier for the fans when Suresh Raina also announced his retirement.

"Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 19:29 hrs consider me as Retired," said by Dhoni on instagram. Just after this, suresh Raina posted on instagram “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!”

Now fans are researching about the facts of their retirement on that same day & the time “19:29” of Dhoni’s retirement.

The reason behind their decision to retire from international cricket is related with the 73rd year of independence.  The former India skipper’s jersey number is ‘7’ and Raina played for India wearing the jersey numbered ‘3’. If these two numbers are joined, then it becomes 73. A tweet mentioning the same was doing the rounds on social media before Raina himself confirmed it by responding to it.

Some fans said that Dhoni decided to retire at '19:29' hours as it was the exact same time when India lost the World Cup semi-final match to New Zealand in 2019, which was also his last international match. Many other cricket fans also comparing the 'Great Depression 1929' to MS Dhoni's retirement at 19:29 on Saturday. While many pointed out that 1929 was an 'angel number' which brings a message that you have completed a major phase or cycle in your life and that has brought closure to projects and ways of doing or ‘being’.

The two players, who were at the Chennai Super Kings campaign they announced their retirements were congratulated by their teammates in the dressing room afterwards.

"Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart, but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you," Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram.

"It is the end of an era. What a player he has been for the country and world cricket. His leadership qualities have been something, which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game," Sourav Ganguly said in a BCCI release.

MS Dhoni and Raina are currently the part of the franchise’s pre-season camp in Chennai. The IPL(Indian Premire League) tournament is scheduled to start on September 19. Both the players will be returning to the field after a long time.  MS Dhoni last played a competitive game during the semifinal in last year’s World Cup while Raina’s last appearance came in the previous IPL.