Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni shocked the entire nation on Independence Day (15th August 2020) when the former 2011 World Cup-winning team members announced their retirement together.
However, the two players will continue playing in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. The two cricketers were very close on the field and here are six amazing co-incidences between their careers.
#1 Both scored a duck on debut
MS Dhoni made his ODI debut against Bangladesh and got out for a duck in December 2004. The next year, Suresh Raina earned his maiden ODI cap against Sri Lanka and got dismissed LBW on the first ball.
#2 Both played the last match in England
MS Dhoni played his last international match against New Zealand during the ICC World Cup 2019 semifinal stage that was played in England. Coincidentally, Suresh Raina also played his last match in England against the hosts in 2018.
#3 Both played maiden Test against SL and last Test vs Aus
Suresh Raina made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 and scored a hundred. MS Dhoni also made his Test debut against the islanders and both players played their last match against Australia in early 2015.
#4 Both played last T20I as captain against West Indies
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina had the golden opportunity to lead India in T20Is. Another coincidence between the two careers was that both led the Indian team for the last time against West Indies. MS Dhoni did in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, while Raina led the team for the last time in 2011.
#5 Both won 3 MOMs vs. RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings have been arch-rivals in the IPL. MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina have always done well against RCB and they won three man of the match awards against the Bangalore-based franchise.
#6 Both announced retirement
The last and the most heartbreaking coincidence between the careers of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni is that they announced their international cricket retirement together on 15th August 2020.
