Raina announces retirement, says 'I choose to join MS Dhoni in this journey'

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Suresh Raina on Saturday took to social media and informed about his decision to retire from international cricket. His retirement comes on the same day as former India captain MS Dhoni. Raina was one of Dhoni’s trusted lieutenants during his reign as India’s captain.

The left handed batsman was part of the team that won the 2011 ICC World Cup. He played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the tournament, playing crucial knocks in the knock-out matches against Australia and Pakistan.

“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!” he wrote on his instagram page. 

Raina, 33, made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2005. One of India’s trusted men on the field, the left-hander scored 5,615 runs from 226 ODIs. He averages 35.3, having scored 36 fifties and five centuries. His Test debut was also against Sri Lanka in the year 2010. He scored 768 runs in the longer format of the game from 18 matches (31 innings) at an average of 26.

He last played for India in July 2018 and had failed to make it to the squad for the ICC World Cup. The left-handed batsman has scored 5615 runs in 226 ODIs for India at an average of 35.31. He has also represented India in 18 Test matches and 78 T20Is.