'Mahi gave the country several moments to remember' - Jharkhand CM demands a farewell match for MS Dhoni in Ranchi

India stalwart MS Dhoni, on Saturday, stunned the cricket fraternity by announcing his international announcement. The veteran revealed his decision on Instagram as he shared a video of his cricketing journey. He even thanked fans for all their support and love over the years.

Dhoni, the only to clinch three major ICC trophies, put an end to all the retirement speculations on 15th August. Ever since his last India appearance, several speculations over his retirement have been doing rounds on social media. Dhoni ended the rumours and squashed the possibility of him donning the India jersey in the next T20 World Cup.

The Ranchi stalwart had a disappointing end to his career as he didn’t steer India to the victory in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup. Despite his valiant batting effort, a run-out ended his innings and India’s chances of progressing into the final of the showpiece event.

Tributes started pouring in for MS Dhoni in no time

Post Dhoni’s retirement, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold a farewell match for the stalwart.

“I wish to appeal to BCCI to hold a farewell match for MS Dhoni which will be hosted by all of Jharkhand and witnessed by the whole world,” Soren tweeted reacting to Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket.

देश और झारखण्ड को गर्व और उत्साह के अनेक क्षण देने वाले माही ने आज अंतराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट से सन्यास ले लिया है।हम सबके चहेते झारखण्ड का लाल माही को नीली जर्सी पहने नहीं देख पायेंगे।पर देशवासियों का दिल अभी भरा नहीं। मैं मानता हूँ हमारे माही का एक फ़ेयरवेल मैच राँची में हो जिसका 1/2 pic.twitter.com/XFt5zBSvG8

— Hemant Soren (घर में रहें – सुरक्षित रहें) (@HemantSorenJMM) August 15, 2020

Soren also said that Dhoni, who gave India and Jharkhand several moments to cherish, deserves a farewell match in his hometown Ranchi. Dhoni has played a couple of matches in front of his home crowd at Ranchi’s newly constructed cricket stadium.

“Mahi, who gave the country and Jharkhand several moments to remember, has retired from international cricket today. We won’t be able to watch our favourite son of Jharkhand in the blue jersey any more. But the hearts of the countrymen are not full yet. I want Mahi to play a farewell match in Ranchi,” Soren said.

Apart from a plethora of cricketers, politicians also paid tribute to the Indian legend. Home Minister Amit Shah also joined millions of fans to heap praise on Dhoni. Shah, on his Twitter, said that the world will miss his helicopter shots.

“I join millions of cricket fans across the globe to thank @msdhoni for his unparalleled contributions to Indian Cricket. His cool temperament has turned several hot encounters in India’s favour. Under his captaincy India was crowned World Champions twice in different formats,” tweeted Shah.

.@msdhoni has mesmerized millions through his unique style of cricket. I hope he will continue to contribute towards strengthening Indian cricket in the times to come. Best wishes for his future endeavours.

World cricket will miss the helicopter shots, Mahi!

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 15, 2020