THE MASTERSTROKE - Reflections on the retirement of Dhoni & Raina

"Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it." - Ann Landers

Everyone is sad about the retirement of M.S. Dhoni and Suresh Raina from international cricket. This shows how much love and respect these players have earned from their fellow Indians. Indians also should be proud of the example these players are setting by retiring timely, thereby setting a healthy precedent for the other players to follow. Voluntarily retiring at the right time by the elder generation in order to make space for newer and younger generation is a sign of maturity and wisdom. This has been the mindset of great leaders of this great land of India - to live with dignity and leave with dignity. This is the spirit and ethos of India. To hold onto a position till one is made to forcibly quit it, is not a dignified life. Only those who live a life of detachment are respected.

That they chose to retire on 15th August, Independence Day is also significant. True independence is to become free from artificial dependencies and temporary designations. Our heartiest congratulations to Dhoni and Raina for making India proud by playing cricket so well and making India more proud by their decision of timely and voluntarily retirement. A Masterstroke indeed. Our prayers and best wishes for the new phase of their journey of life.

- Achyut Gopal Das

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