Just over 10 years back, in a game against Pakistan at Visakhapatnam, the then Indian captain Sourav Ganguly sent a long-haired, broad shouldered 23-year-old at No. 3. Playing his fifth One-Day International (ODI), the Samson-like youngster butchered his way to 148. Since then, the rise for him has only been upward as in years to come, MS Dhoni emerged as one of the finest ever in limited-overs cricket. A fierce competitor, a brilliant leader and exemplary with his conduct, Dhoni has been one of India’s favourite sons. Now criticised for his fading abilities as a finisher, Dhoni seemed to be writing his own scripts turned the tables with a resilient 92 not out on Wednesday that powered India to a win in the third ODI against the touring South Africans. READ: MS Dhoni: What makes him such a successful batsman?
At 34, Dhoni may be more subdued in approach; despite that, it is strange when his effectiveness is questioned. Having retired from Test cricket, he continues to lead the Indian side in limited-overs. He is India’s most successful captain, but the stress of being the main batsman, wicketkeeper and captain has taken a toll on him over the years. It is apparent that his playing days are numbered. READ: An open letter to MS Dhoni’s fans
There have been occasions when Dhoni hasn’t been able to finish games like the one in Kanpur on Sunday. However, the second ODI was a classic example on why Dhoni is still one of the best. As Ganguly put it in his Times of India column, “I have been reading criticism in the media about Dhoni, but one has to remember that when a batsman repeatedly finds himself in such situations like Dhoni has, sometimes things don’t work out.” True and it’s very human.
Dhoni’s ability as ODI batsman has been questioned in recent times, but here is someone who averages over 50 with a strike rate of over 87 in the current calendar year. Perhaps he has himself to blame by spoiling the fans with more wins and he is expected to deliver every time he steps out on the greens.
Standing down from captaincy
Dhoni has the led the side successfully for eight years, and gives an impression that he is tired. His decision-making hasn’t been top-notch of late. Be it his prolonged persistence with an underperforming Ravindra Jadeja or holding back his premier bowler Ravichandran Ashwin after his first over at Kanpur or dropping Amit Mishra in the second game at Indore or his stance on Ajinkya Rahane, his decisions in recent times have baffled many.
Every captain has a shelf life and comes with an expiry date and Dhoni may have past that. Known for his calm approach, he has been seen losing temper more often. During the end of innings he appears to be under pressure, and looks reluctant to go for big shots early in his innings. It seems he has the press conferences on his mind and wants to prove the knife-sharpening journalists wrong. Dhoni has done a lot more to deserve this.
India have already identified Virat Kohli as their next limited-overs captain. He has done well in Test cricket and things remaining constant, there’s little doubt that he will lead the side in England during World Cup 2019. Australia have already passed their mantle to Steven Smith; it does make sense for India to invest in Kohli for ODIs too.
The pressure of being an Indian captain is intense. It’s time to relieve Dhoni of that. Still a brilliant keeper and a key limited-overs batsman, it’s time he, at the twilight of his career, is allowed to play more freely in a way reminiscent of the carefree, long-haired lad from 2005. It may be a power-game, but just like how a certain Rahul Dravid did in 2007, Dhoni can make it easy by stepping down.
In his initial days as a skipper, Dhoni had former captains Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Ganguly playing under him. He was guided and groomed by them. This is Dhoni’s opportunity to do the same for Kohli and play without pressure.
(Suvajit Mustafi consumes cricket for lunch, fiction for dinner and munches numerous other snacks throughout the day. Yes, a jack of several trades, all Suvajit dreamt of was being India’s World Cup winning skipper but ended up being a sports writer, author, screenwriter, director, copywriter, graphic designer, sportsmarketer , strategist, entrepreneur, philosopher and traveller. Donning so many hats, it’s cricket which gives him the ultimate high and where he finds solace. He can be followed at @RibsGully and rivu7)
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