The eloquent pauses of former Australian leg-spinner Richie Benaud were a hallmark of his commentary. The world of sports often offers those moments of pause, much like when MS Dhoni took a breath just after Ravindra Jadeja sealed victory for CSK in the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans. Amidst the jubilation on the field, Dhoni’s brief moment of reflection in the dugout, followed by a sigh of relief, encapsulated the essence of an unforgettable IPL season.
To keenly watch Dhoni throughout a match can be both enchanting and monotonous. His mastery of calm and nonchalance triggers curiosity about the inner workings of his mind. Yet, despite this enigmatic exterior, fans remain both mystified and charmed by him.
However, this season held a departure from the norm. A childlike eagerness to triumph was evident. One image imprinted from CSK’s final victory was Jadeja sprinting towards Dhoni. The captain lifted him with a spontaneous burst of joy, a genuine outpouring of emotions. It was overwhelming for viewers a moment of vulnerability that reminded everyone of Dhoni’s humanity, underscoring that fame and achievement don’t shield him from raw feelings.
In his prime, it seemed Dhoni could defy aging. His swift strides between the wickets made it appear as if he was playing a different game altogether.
Now, there’s a sense of urgency in his movements. Yet, Dhoni’s most profound influence on the team this season might be found in his calm demeanor behind the stumps. There, he observes and contemplates, revealing the cerebral aspect of his leadership.
His most remarkable achievement was seamlessly accommodating the aggressive flair of experienced players like Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane alongside the transformation of Shivam Dube, once unremarkable, into a key player. The team both revolves around Dhoni and extends beyond him it’s in this balance that his brilliance resides.
Dhoni has always seen cricket as his redemption. When asked about the admiration he receives, he humbly states, “I think they (fans) love me for who I am. Being grounded is something they appreciate in me. Also, because of the style of cricket I play, everyone in the stadium feels they can relate to it, as there’s nothing conventional about it. I believe they connect with me more than anyone else.”
Dhoni’s name is etched in reverence in Chennai, the city he adopted as a second home during the zenith of his career.
However, his willingness to display emotions this season adds depth to the assertion of his greatness a greatness that transcends club rivalries and passionate fan loyalties.