MS Dhoni Announces Retirement From International Cricket
New Delhi: Two-time World Cup-winning former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from international cricket on Saturday, ending over one year of suspense and also an era during which his often unorthodox leadership and finishing skills became the stuff of legends.
"Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929hrs consider me as retired," Dhoni posted on his Instagram handle.
The announcement came a day after he joined his Chennai Super Kings teammates in Chennai ahead of this year's IPL in the UAE.
The 39-year-old's last outing in India colours was during the lost World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
One of the best runners between the wickets was run out following a hard-earned 50 in that tense game, shattering Indian hopes and leaving him in a state of disbelief.
The reticent man from Ranchi will, however, go down as one of the finest to have played the game for India, turning up for the country in a whopping 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20 Internationals.
The last leg of his career was, however, marred by a drop in form, prompting several critics to question his resolve to continue.
But he nevertheless signs off as an ODI legend with 10,773 runs, averaging more than 50 despite batting between No.5 and 7 for a major chunk of his career.
In the Test format, Dhoni accumulated 4876 runs at an average of 38.09 and led India to more wins (27) than anyone else before him.
However, runs are not the parameter on which Dhoni's career can be truly judged.
Considered a punter by some and a master strategist by several others, it was Dhoni's captaincy, wondrous reading of match situations and the jaw-dropping hand-speed behind stumps that had the cricket world mesmerised.
A leader even after he gave up the official tag of the leader, Dhoni will be remembered as the nonconformist, who made risks look like well-thought-out strategy.
Whether it was handing the ball to rookie Joginder Sharma in the final over of the 2007 World T20 or pushing himself ahead of man-in-form Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 50-over World Cup, Dhoni's instincts rarely failed him.
For the record, India lifted the trophy on both occasions, propelling him to cult status in a country which remains hopelessly in love with all things cricket.
The IPL was also his happy hunting ground where he was the revered 'Thala', leading the Chennai Super Kings to three trophies.
The most significant of those titles came last season when the side made its return to the event after a two-year suspension for its official Gurunath Meiyappan's role in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.
View this post on InstagramThanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions announces special scholarships for 1,000 students
Bengaluru: Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions is announcing special scholarships for 1000 students of government and aided schools for the current academic year, announced Dr. Abdul Qadeer, head of Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Bift Hall of the Darussalam Building on Queen's Road in the city, he said that students who have obtained more than 90% marks in the SSLC examination and have studied in Kannada, Urdu or English medium in government and aided schools in the state can apply for this scholarship.
Selected students will be granted a 75% tuition fee waiver to study at Shaheen PU Colleges located in various parts of the country. Dr. Abdul Qadeer said the initiative aims to support students from families below the poverty line.
Eligible students can apply by visiting the nearest Shaheen college or by applying online at www.shaheengroup.org. The last date to apply is May 15. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be conducted on May 18 at Shaheen colleges. Priority will be given to students from rural areas, children with disabilities, and orphans.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer also introduced the CARES initiative, which aims to ensure that no child is deprived of education due to financial constraints. Under this scheme, if religious institutions such as mosques, Baitul Maal, temples, or churches come forward to cover 40% of the education expenses of children from the poorest backgrounds, the Shaheen Foundation will contribute the remaining 60% as a scholarship.
He also mentioned that the Minority Welfare Department of Karnataka has decided to provide secular education alongside religious education in 100 madrasas. Work has already begun in 97 madrasas under this initiative. There is scope for enrolling nearly 2,000 school dropouts. Children above the age of 12 will be trained and prepared to pass the SSLC examination within two years, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Qadeer also announced that the Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions has signed an agreement with M.S.I.T. Medical College, a government-run institution in Tajikistan. Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS studies will be enrolled there, and the curriculum will be based on Indian standards. A total of 500 students will be admitted under this program. After completing the MBBS course, students will be trained for India’s qualifying examination. For more information, students are requested to call the helpline number 9686601088 or visit the website www.msitshaheen.com.
Educationist Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions Acting Head Sheikh Shafiq, Chief Executive Officer Tausif Ahmed, Director Asif Ali were present at the press conference.
