Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni announced their retirement from international cricket on India’s 74th Independence Day. After a trophy-laden career, both players decided to call it quits. Both players played an important part in India’s triumph at the 2011 Cricket World Cup as Dhoniwas the captain and Raina played crucial knocks in important matches.

First Dhoni announced his retirement via an Instagram post, and then Raina informed the world that he has also decided to end his playing career for Team India.

Their contribution to the success of Indian cricket was immense and it was duly recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A letter of appreciation was sent to Raina by the PM’s office to laud their achievements in the game of cricket.

‘When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind!’ Raina said on Twitter while sharing the image of the letter.

Recalling the initial days of Raina’s career, PM Modi wrote in the letter: “You have lived and breathed cricket. Your interest in the sport began early in life, in the by-lanes of Muradnagar and subsequently found feet in the playgrounds of Lucknow. There on, what an eventful journey it has been, culminating in the most important honour of representing India – a country you love deeply – in all three forms of the game.” He further appreciated the spectacular fielding of the all-rounder and his batting, particularly, in the shortest format of the game.

“Generations will remember you not only as a fine batsman but also as a very useful bowler who the captain could turn to when the situation demanded. Your fielding was exemplary and inspiring. Some of the best catches in recent international cricket have your distinctive imprint. It would take days to count just the number of runs you have saved by your alertness on the field,” the letter read.

“As a batsman, you especially distinguished yourself across all mediums and particularly in the newest form of the game, the T-20 cricket. This is not an easy format. In tune with our times, it requires quick fixes in double-quick time. Again, your promptness and speed were assets for this form,” it added.

Reminiscing the 2011 World Cup and Raina’s “inspiring” role during the tournament, the Prime Minister said, “India can never forget your inspiring role during the 2011 World Cup, especially during the later matches. I saw you live in action at the Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad, during the Quarter Final against Australia. Your anchoring innings had a big role to play in our team’s victory. I can confidently say that most fans will miss seeing your elegant cover drives, one which I was lucky to witness live that day.”

PM Modi further said “Raina will always be synonymous with the team spirit” and wished him for his post-retirement innings.

A world-class fielder and a useful bowler, Raina represented India in 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is in an international career spanning 13 years.

(with ANI inputs)