---
title: "Suresh Raina Reveals MS Dhoni Shock Over 2020 Retirement"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/09/05/suresh-raina-reveals-ms-dhoni-shock-over-2020-retirement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "News"
published: "2026-09-05T14:14:07Z"
modified: "2026-09-05T14:14:07Z"
---

# Suresh Raina Reveals MS Dhoni Shock Over 2020 Retirement

Suresh Raina concluded his international career on the same August 2020 evening as MS Dhoni, triggering a reaction of disbelief from the former India captain.

Both batters were stationed in the Chennai Super Kings bio-bubble. Dhoni published his decision online, and his teammate followed suit less than an hour later.

## Dhoni Sacrificed Batting Position

Raina explained his long-time captain was entirely unaware of the dual exit plan.

“At that point, whether I was 32 or 33, whatever the age was… But in the dressing room when he did it, I went in and said, ‘It’s done.’ He goes, ‘Ye kya kiya tune’ (‘What did you just do?’).”

The sequence of events highlighted a profound loyalty established across their shared tenures. Raina outlined how Dhoni willingly demoted himself down the order to elevate younger batters.

“I think at that time you played for the captain; you played for the team. But why I said captain… because I feel that at the batting position I got an opportunity; the captain sacrificed his own position. He used to bat higher up when Dada was captain, but he took the responsibility, saying, ‘Yuvi Pa (Yuvraj Singh), you go up, Suresh, you play here, I am sitting here,” Raina added.

## Repaying Supreme Captaincy Faith

This selfless tactical approach fostered total devotion within the squad. Players felt obligated to repay their captain through consistent on-field results.

“If someone sacrificed so much for you… there should be a capacity to give back,” he said.

The left-hander formally retired from all forms of Indian cricket in September 2022.