The just-retired former Indian captain MS Dhoni has not enjoyed the success like white-ball in Test cricket. However, he has played some top-notch innings in the longest format and once such was his maiden Test hundred against Pakistan, which came in 2006 at Faisalabad. VVS Laxman, who was the part of that Dhoni’s knock, has recalled that the wicketkeeper had joked of retiring from Test after scoring his first Test hundred.
In Dhoni’s second Test series of his career against Pakistan, India was not in good position after Pakistan posted 588 in the first innings. But Dhoni stitched the partnership with Irfan Pathan for the sixth wicket and went on to register his first century. He was dismissed after scoring 148 runs as the match ended up on a draw.
VVS Laxman’s revelation on MS Dhoni’s maiden Test ton:
When Dhoni returned to the dressing room following his dismissal after scoring his maiden ton, VVS Laxman said that the wicketkeeper facetiously said that he is ready to retire.
“I still remember him coming back into the dressing room (after his maiden Test ton, versus Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2006) and loudly saying ‘I am going to announce my retirement – MS Dhoni, mai hundred maara Test cricket mein, bas yaar [I, MS Dhoni, have hit a century in Test cricket that’s it!],” VVS Laxman said on the latest episode of Star Sports’ chat show Cricket Connected.
“I don’t want anything more from Test cricket!’ And we were shocked and surprised to hear that. But that’s what MS Dhoni always was,” Laxman further added.
MS Dhoni, who announced his retirement on 15 August, has been featured in 90 Test matches and scored 4876 runs, including six centuries and 33 half-centuries. He has also played in 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is for India. He would be seen in action for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League 2020 in the UAE.