Mahendra Singh Dhoni - THE MONK

"Thanks • Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as retired." - This was probably the most heartbreaking Instagram message for all the cricket lovers and fans, in India and of course around the globe. As on 15/08/2020, the Independence Day, the most successful and one of the greatest ever Indian captains announced to hang his international boots.

M. S. Dhoni scored 10773 runs from 350 ODIs at a staggering Avg. of 50.58

 

A long haired MS was first noticed during India A tour of Africa. He was smashing Pakistan A bowlers to the all corners of Gymkhana Ground, Nairobi. He got his first national call on the back of those explosive twin centuries against Pakistan A. 

Dhoni could not start his career on a great note as he was run out for a duck against Bangladesh in his very first ODI. String of low scores had created panic among spectators as his technique was also deemed unsuitable and poor after he failed to make any mark in his first 4 outings in ODIs.

The then captain, Sourav Ganguly showed a lot of faith in young MS Dhoni and he was drafted into the side even after facing initial criticism. Then there came his game, in Vizag (Vishakhapatnam). It was the 2nd ODI of the series and for surprise for one and for all, Dhoni was promoted at no. 3 in the batting order after the early wicket of Tendulkar. Dhoni started to attack Pakistani bowlers right from the start and eventually reached his first ever ODI hundred; scored 148 off 123 in the end. Since then, he never looked back and kept working havoc to oppositions no matter against whoever he played. Who can forget his 183* in that famous run chase at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which is still the best ever ODI innings by a wicket keeper.

So, it would be an injustice to his caliber if we merely remember him for batting statistics. He is one of the greatest Wicket-Keepers the game has ever seen. His fast hands, strategic moves from behind the stumps, his astute thinking, and most important of all, anticipating the oppositions' minds.

Honestly, there was a lot said and transpired during the course of over a year since MS last donned the Indian blue jersey, that whether the Indian legend would be able to do so again? Optimism reached at its peak, while last month, BCCI announced the hosting of IPL in the UAE, that the cricket fans would be seeing this stalwart in action once more, of course they will do at least in the IPL now. People actually strive for what they love, not for the action. Similarly, MS is not known for his physical actions as I feel he is the less expressive guy around. I remember a famous quote from MS Dhoni, "You should be aggressive on the field, but you need not to show it". Hence, this is the type of a player that he is, and more importantly this is the type of a person that he is. 

Dhoni showed immense faith in Ishant Sharma and inspired him to stick to the basics which got the results for him.

I still remember the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 at Birmingham. Ishant Sharma was bowling some crucial overs where he went for plenty of runs, even he bowled a few wide deliveries due to extreme pressure. Dhoni was seen applauding Ishant even for that too. Hence, it proved that day that Dhoni is not a person who likes to control the situation, instead he is a person who molds himself according to the situation and gives his 100% to get the best out of it. Who can forget how far best he got that day with his great calmness and composure; India won the Champions Trophy by beating England in the final. Dhoni that day became the first ever captain to win all 3 ICC Trophies (ICC World T20 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013). He remains the only captain to do so as of now.

There are a lot of personalities who influence our lives by their attitude and the way of working, no matter whichever field they are part of. MS Dhoni, I feel, is one of those persons who inspires you from within. Nobody could ever forget his calmness under extreme pressure situations. His decision making during immense pressure and more importantly proving it right at the end is awesome. His ability to get the best results for team India from almost impossible situations, puts him on the Mount Everest as said by current coach of team India, Ravi Shashtri, in his recent tribute video for MSD after his retirement from international cricket.

A lot of players have come and gone in Indian cricket and everyone left the impression in their own way. Dhoni will be remembered as one of the greatest ever leaders in the world. He may have retired from international cricket and probably will retire from all forms of cricket after the IPL 2020 but he will surely remain in each and every cricket fan's heart.

❤️*We all will surely M is S D honi*❤️

"Till the full stop doesn't come, the sentence is not over". - Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Thanks

RAHUL