An Ode to M.S. Dhoni

 It was the cricket world cup of 2015 and India had just once again beaten Pakistan in a world cup game, while talking to the press in a post-match press conference, the then-Indian team captain M.S. Dhoni while commenting on India’s unbeaten tournament record against Pakistan said “But a time will come when we will lose to them. This record won't stay for the rest of our lives. We should not forget that Pakistan has a better overall record than us. They are a fantastic side and it is never easy to beat them.”  This statement is just a glimmer of what Dhoni was and is to cricket. His repertoire as the Indian captain and the success that he garnered as the leader of the Indian team speaks volumes about his cricketing acumen and leadership potential but this is just one aspect of his game. As a cricketer and sportsman, his contribution to the game is far bigger. With his humility and game ethics, he kept cricket, cricket.  The guy respected the game he played and in return, he earned the respect of the game.

Dhoni’s cricketing journey is an example for not only the budding cricketers but he also is an example for any professional. Humility, calmness, and keen observation have always been a hallmark of his game and it is only because of this, he has been able to manage admirers outside of India.

His glovework has always been impressive. His lightning-fast stumpings and acrobatic catching behind the stumps are a sight for sore eyes. On top of it, his batting and then his ability to finish the game with the bat was unparallel. In recent history, only somebody like Michael Bevan can be quoted as an example or can be equated with Dhoni when it comes to finishing the game with a bat.   

It is quite obvious from Dhoni’s career that he has always excelled whenever he has been presented with a challenge and he has been taking challenges head-on since the start of his career. He scored a big fat hundred against Pakistan in an ODI when he was promoted to the number three position in a team that boosted players like Sehwag, Tendulkar, Ganguly, and Dravid. Similarly, when he was made the captain of the Indian T20 side for the inaugural T20 world cup, he ended up winning it. That last over given by him to Joginder Sharma had the potential to go down as the biggest mistake made by a captain in cricketing history but as fortune always favors the brave, that bet of his paid off. It was only Dhoni who could play such a bold hand. His leadership style has this unique blend of proactiveness, calmness, and risk-taking. Making India a more than formidable cricketing side at home and a competitive side overseas is among his many achievements as a captain and player.

The Dhoni story can never be completed without mentioning his IPL record. He represented Chennai Super Kings and Rising Supergiant (2016 & 2017) in his IPL career. His real contribution came up with the Super Kings as its captain he has led them to 5 IPL titles. This makes him one of the most successful captains in the history of IPL.

As all the good things come to an end someday, M.S. has also bid farewell to all kinds of competitive cricket and the final of the recently concluded IPL was his last appearance for his IPL team. He will surely be missed, in the death overs, behind the stumps, and in a pressure cooker situation. Dhoni the player has stopped playing but his legacy will live on.