What is common between Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni's Test retirement?

What is common between Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni’s Test retirement?. (Photo source: X)

The recent retirement of from Test cricket carry a few striking similarities to MS Dhoni’s exit from international cricket. Much like Dhoni, Rohit played his final home and away games in the longest  format at the same venue as Dhoni. Interestingly, the two's initial disclosure of their respective retirements were announced at the same time as well.

Rohit's Instagram story, which was uploaded at 19:29 pm (IST) on Wednesday, May 7, was the same time Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. Dhoni's Instagram post was uploaded at 19:29 on August 15, 2020, a detail that added a personal touch to his farewell. The caption read, "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 19:29 hrs, consider me as Retired".

Another remarkable parallel is that both Rohit and Dhoni played their final games in the red-ball format at the same venues. Rohit and Dhoni both played their final Tests at home and away at the Wankhede Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, respectively.

Rohit's final Test at home was against New Zealand (which India lost by 25 runs), while Dhoni's final game at home came against West Indies (which India won by an innings and 126 runs). As for their final away Tests, Rohit and Dhoni played their final Tests in Melbourne. While Rohit ended up losing the game, Dhoni's final away Test ended in a draw.

On one hand, Dhoni's Test retirement came in the form of a press release by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, whereas, Rohit's announcement had a much more personal feel about it. There was no formal press conference or public farewell arranged, which left the majority of fans startled by the decision. It remains to be seen the developments which follow Rohit's retirement. At the current moment, both Rohit and Dhoni are involved with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.