Mahendra Singh Dhoni

MS Dhoni—the name needs no introduction. He is also known as Captain Cool. He is also known as the best finisher, best wicket-keeper, Mahi, etc. Yesterday, when I heard about Dhoni stepping down as India’s limited over’s captain. It came as a shock to me. It was unexpected but with Dhoni it is always a surprise. Like every cricketing fan, I also became sad by learning the fact that he only had one match to go for completing the milestone of 200 matches as a captain.

Before his decision—

I was observing from the last few months, every article in the newspaper regarding Dhoni had a piece of his retirement plans and his unsuccessful campaign in World T20. Some articles also stated that Dhoni is done with his successful career and he should retire. Everyone in the press started asking him questions regarding his retirement. Although, our Captain Cool, stayed calm and answered the questions tactfully without creating a big issue. Sometimes he did lose his coolness but he never stopped answering questions to others.

I still remember that match when India was playing against West Indies in USA. India needed only 2 runs of the last ball and Dhoni couldn’t make it and got out. Everyone abused him for not making those two runs. Newspaper carried headlines—“Dhoni’s days are over”. People who never touched a bat in their whole life started judging a legend who is having all the ICC Trophies.

After his decision—

Everyone should not be shocked now like me because when he was a captain everyone took him for granted and social media often played a selection game. People often posted their point of view after Virat’s sensational year (2016) that Dhoni should leave everything to Virat and should retire. Man who served India for 9 years was named as-Selfish.

What people did not see?

T20 World Cup- 2007

50-Over World Cup- 2011

Championship Trophy- 2013

Asia Cup

CB Series

When Dhoni hit that six in the world cup final everyone danced and the whole India celebrated (including reporters, press). But when India lost, nobody came to Dhoni and asked him, how’s he feeling? Is he depressed?

It is because we never saw a simple, decent and cool man behind him. We always saw him as a captain of the Indian Cricket Team. But life is more than that. MS Dhoni is also an emotional person. What he must have felt when his own countrymen blamed him when India lost? What he must have felt when reporters asked him about his retirement plans? What he must have felt when people threw bottles on him? Actually, he must have cried sitting alone in a dark room.

It is because of us—Dhoni left his captaincy leaving uncountable memories with us.

No matter what—nobody can change the fact that Dhoni was India’s best captain ever.

MS Dhoni may have left his captainship but he is still a brave player, best finisher and the best wicketkeeper and most importantly a good human being. This is what keeps me going for now… And I am going to watch Dhoni play as player in the coming up series versus England.

Remember, he made his highest score when he wasn’t a captain… So if you know what I mean…

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was, is and will be the best player in the world, indeed. It’s a fact. No one can change it.  

Thank you for reading,

Amay Saxena