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One of the most iconic journeys in cricket history began on December 23, 2004, when a long-haired MS Dhoni wore the threads of Team India for the first time. Known for his destructive batting, Dhoni's debut was a disaster as he was run out for a golden duck. Fast forward to 19 years down the line in 2023, the wicketkeeper-batter was once again dismissed for a golden duck, albeit in a different format of the game and in a competition that was not alive back when Dhoni took small strides towards becoming what he became - a legendary figure that transcended the sport itself.
After leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a record-tying fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title on May 29 (Monday) on a historic night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Dhoni stepped forward to answer a question he was already asked a ton of times earlier in the season. And as predictable as it can get, the poster boy of CSK was greeted with the same question once again!
Amidst pin-drop silence inside the stadium, expectant fans held their breath and switched their focus to every word that came out of Dhoni. In a matter of seconds, the silence turned into a deafening roar as the buoyant crowd embraced Dhoni's remarks in unison. 'Thala' admitted that it would be the best time to call quits on a glittering career but the love that he received from the fans throughout the season forced him to, at least, delay the decision by as much as possible.
"Looking for an answer?" said Dhoni when asked about his retirement plans.
"Circumstantially, this is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for nine months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body," said Dhoni before over a billion fans breathed a sigh of relief.
In the recently-concluded season, Dhoni continued to march on despite a knee injury that limited his mobility. Known for being lightning quick not just behind the stumps but between the wickets too, Dhoni refrained from pushing himself to sneak an extra run. Instead, he relied on his power-hitting and contributed with cameos down the order. He was flexible with his batting position as well, arriving at the crease when the need of the hour is big hits.
It would be hard for Dhoni to keep himself ready for the next season of the cash-rich tournament. At the age of 41 and with an energy-sapping knee injury, the wicketkeeper-batter would need to defy father time once again. The good news is that Dhoni is prepared to take the hard route for his fans. But, at the end of the day, nothing is certain.
If Dhoni doesn't return for IPL 2024, his career would have ended in the same fashion in which it began. In 2004, it was a golden duck against Bangladesh, and in 2023, with a golden duck against Gujarat Titans. Sandwiched between the two golden ducks is the journey of a man who played a pivotal role in making cricket what it is today in India.
But, let's hope and pray, that Thala returns for his 'Last Dance' in 2024.
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