Saluting the phenomenon called MSD

It was exactly on 19:29 hours on August 15 that Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. The clock showed same timing when he lifted ICC World Cup for India on April 2, 2011.

What an achievement, what a commitment, what discipline and what leadership skills? The man from Ranchi showed India how a player can contribute to the country’s sporting success by letting his performance talk. For me, Mahi was not only a sportsman but a phenomenon who came, saw and conquered the Gentleman’s Game with sheer brilliance, astute captaincy and never-say-die attitude.

As we are talking about his deeds on and of the field, did we give him enough credit for him to bow out with dignity? He was ‘bullied’ and ‘tortured’ by the Fourth Estate and the ‘experts’ for his ‘non-performance’ in the last few years, particularly during the 2019 World Cup. Having said that, have we ever allowed our past ‘legends’ to hang their boots without putting mud on them?

We didn’t spare the likes of Kapil, Dilip and Anil of their ‘unfavourable-to-us’ performances and waited till they bow to our pressure and bid goodbye. Some people even left no stone unturned in commenting on the performance of SRT, albeit in a lower voice and tone, before he announced his retirement on that ‘memorable’ of November 16, 2013.

Mahi faced the same heat from all quarters. This despite being the only captain who gave India two World Cups, many finishes and leading from the front on various occasions. Even SRT thanked Mahi for enabling the Master to fulfil his ‘only wish’ to lift the ICC World Cup. The captain par excellence was a perfect role model for many up and coming cricketers and would remain so.

He always believed in his team and never questioned its abilities. He was accused of making some hard decisions, but as he said “he always took those decisions in the interest of his team.” The great leader he was, he has been an epitome of hard work, discipline and brilliance. He never allowed success go into his head and never paid any heed to the criticism he went through.

Good luck with your future Mahi! You have been an exceptional sportsman. Thank you for giving the last over to Joginder in 2007 World T20 and hitting that lovely six at Wankhede four years later. Enjoy your freedom, your bikes and your success!