ICC World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni and the Cup of Dreams

The Indian captain paced up and down the locker room. It was not the first time he had erred in judgement. But, this was not just any fixture. This was the World Cup final. And for the most part, his gamble had almost always worked. When it came to the bigger stages. Such as the ICC Cricket World Cup final.

In the back of his mind, perhaps, was `the trauma of 2007. The trip to the Caribbean had been a disaster. And Dhoni had felt the full impact. There was good. There was ugly. The only aspect of things to tip the scale was that it was four years prior. This was a new Indian team. A team that exuded confidence. A team that would drag Indian cricket away from the trauma of Greg Chappell. MS Dhoni was on a mission. This time, to write the wrongs.

The Misleading numbers

The bean counters always find the 2011 World Cup final a compelling case. They make their money on predicting outcomes, based on numbers. When one looks at the stats of the tournament, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not more than an afterthought. There is Sachin Tendulkar. There is Zaheer Khan. Yuvraj Singh, the man of the tournament features on multiple lists. Dhoni’s name, however, is not one to be seen.

Yet, the final saw a different Dhoni. One who was candid enough to take his team through. One who knew, deep down perhaps. That it would be he who got his side over the line. The numbers are indeed misleading. If one looks at the ‘Moneyball’ side of things, they see an Indian captain. One who might have the results on his side. Yet, without the abilities with the bat that he once did.

Stats never really did matter. That unbeaten 91 in the Wankhede against a fearsome Sri Lanka attack was all the numbers he would ever need to show for his abilities.

Even if they did (Stats), they understood the underlying ethos of what Dhoni was all about. A winner! One who put the team above all else. One who never compromised the importance of his surroundings.

Still as vital as ever before

“There has been some talk about your retirement,” the journalist said, in his smooth and crystalline Queensland-blended voice. “Do you think it is time to call it a day?” Sam Ferris knew deep down that he was poking the bear. He did expect a reaction. Just not quite the reaction that he got.

It was indeed a tough pill to swallow – the loss to the Windies. On home soil was one thing. However, there was something bigger. Dhoni had not played Test cricket in two years. And at 35, it seemed as though even the evergreen MS Dhoni may well be counting his days.

Of course, the unassuming Ferris too would have a great laugh on things. But the message was loud and clear. He would stay. Of course, he would. And what’s more, was the fact that he would ensure a smooth transition for the likeliest extension of himself – Virat Kohli. The latter might not really have the same thought process as the former skipper. But is viewed almost as an extension of Dhoni’s former self.

The Bangladesh whipping

Dhoni was coming off a decent IPL. By his standards, the frenzy-filled tournament was a lot more successful than he had hoped for. Being the mainstay of the Chennai Super Kings, the skipper knew the importance of the ‘Cup of dreams’. And more importantly, he knew exactly what it meant to his successor Kohli.

The 30-year old Kohli had been the beneficiary of heartbreak in 2017. Things had certainly not gone according to plan against Pakistan in Edgbaston. The first cup had most certainly eluded Kohli. Which now led him on a mission – to regain the cup on English soil whilst redeeming the horrors he faced against Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men.

All of this was hidden away in Dhoni’s subconscious as he walked out to bat. Vijay Shankar had lost his wicket to what many call ‘cricket’s riskiest’ shot. As the former Indian skipper made his way out to bat, the Indians were in a spot of bother. As he began ensuring a rebuild of the innings, Sanjay Manjrekar’s uncanny comment on the air stated, rather candidly, the importance of Dhoni in the side.

The first being his batting abilities, something that convinced even Greg Chappell in 2004. His wicket-keeping skills, some endorse as perhaps the best in the world. The third came off as slightly interesting in the context of a leader. Something which showed that Virat always goes back to the start should he find himself in a pickle. The wisdom acquired over the last 15 years as a cricketer and a leader, something that is certainly indispensable as far as Virat Kohli is concerned.

Needless to say, Dhoni is still beautiful to watch. As he has always been. The ups and downs will always be there. As they always are. Yet, the frequency and consistency with which the former India skipper manages to attract success towards him are simply phenomenal.

Moreover, he brought his hundred up with a massive six off Rubel Hossain’s head. For those watching cricket in 2011, they will remember a similar whack over the head of Nuwan Kulasekara. The six that eventually became the symbol of India’s World Cup triumph.

Should the Indians need to have a say in the World Cup this time around, it is clear that MS Dhoni, from the outset, will be key to India’s chances.