Dhoni’s last world cup as captain:
Strange to see some careers coming to an end after achieving some glorifying prospects. In one of the rare profiles, a person acquires his own family members and neighbours as spectators of his/her talent. Sometimes, the skill might also mesmerises our followers to an extent that it can turn the spectators as fans.
Such scenarios are very common in the game of cricket. The players who choose cricket as their career’s best option are sometimes blessed in a way that they live forever despite they leave. One of such careers that ring in the ears of cricket fraternity is – MS Dhoni.
Began as a wicket-keeper, he stood back off the stumps and slowly changed the face of India’s cricket. He was nothing but a back-bone to Indian cricket when the team was in a dire need of a leader. His skillset, which was completely hidden behind the stumps, started acquiring limelight after he took up the role of captainship.
After representing the country for 15 years, the unexpected and unintended end has come up when Dhoni hanged his boots from the international cricket. It was on July 9, 2019, he made up his mind and played his last best fixture against New Zealand. The match being held as part of 2019 World Cup semi-finals and it was nothing but a doorway for the team to enter finals.
On this Day Ms Dhoni. pic.twitter.com/z1cG1vzrUB
— Prashanth (@Prashu73368868) July 9, 2022
But, unfortunately, India couldn’t register a win and lost the chance of winning the World Cup, for the third time. The result went in favour of New Zealand despite Dhoni’s match-winning knock, where he scored 50 runs.
Considering the weather conditions, the match was conducted for 2 consecutive days. When Dhoni entered into the ground with his bat the team was under pressure after top-order collapsed, completely.
The Team India showed a satisfied performance on day 1, but the 2nd went on a disaster note marking an end to their run in the ICC event. The target was to chase down 240 runs, but the Dhoni-led team couldn’t make it. India lost its first three batsmen just by scoring five runs.
Post the match, the speculation was all around on why the Dhoni’s top-order batsmen couldn’t give a good farewell, despite his affection towards the team and mentorship towards his players, more as a leader and counsellor, but less a captain.
While India was burdened to chase 240 runs, the ‘hero’ made an entry into the ground. Fans jumped in awe while he was walking towards the crease. The ground was reverberating with Dhoni’s name, audience shouting out loud cheering for their favourite player.
Coming out to bat at number 7, Dhoni brought India’s hopes to win the game alive. He played a vital knock of 50 off 72 and added crucial 116 runs for the 7th wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (77) to propel India from a score of 92 to 208.
The disaster occurred in the penultimate over when India had to score 31 runs needed off the final 12 balls. When the onus was on Dhoni to complete the chase, New Zealand was of the view to remove considering his dangerous knocks in the last overs.
The heroic performance of Dhoni came to an end on the 3rd delivery of the 19th over when Martin Guptill’s direct throw at stumps removed the bails and Dhoni remained few inches away from touching the line. That vital throw from Guptill had put the black caps on the cusp of their second consecutive final, ending India’s hopes. Dhoni was dismissed on 50 off 72.
India lost the match and Dhoni’s international career came to end. Soon after joining the Chennai Super Kings camp during the delayed IPL 2020, Dhoni ended the speculations of continuing his career and officially announced about his retirement from the game. This day remains ‘forever’ in the annals of India’s cricket history.
On This Day That year A Man Cried & Whole Indian fans Cried 🥺🏏
April 2nd 2011 is a Day of Happiness to Indian Cricket Fans & 09 July 2019 is a Sadness to Fans Let's Hope We Will Win Next year 🏆🏏 But We can't See @msdhoni in Playing XI 🥺💔 #MSDhoni #OnThisDay #CWC2019 #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/yAM2Aay1Da— Nagesh Akula (@NageshA61745176) July 9, 2022
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