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Former India captain MS Dhoni has candidly shared his emotional turmoil after India's heart-wrenching defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. The devastating run-out that led to India's failed chase in the semi-final remains etched in the memories of countless Indian cricket fans, and Dhoni revealed that he was profoundly affected by the loss.
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The 2019 World Cup semi-final turned out to be MS Dhoni's final match representing India, although he officially announced his retirement from international cricket a year later. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar had previously disclosed that he witnessed Dhoni, along with Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, in a state of inconsolable grief after the World Cup semi-final defeat. Dhoni acknowledged the emotional impact of that match and explained the various emotions that swirled through his mind.
Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Dhoni revealed that after the semi-final, he had made the decision that it would be his last game for India. He recounted a conversation with the team's trainer, during which he expressed that he no longer needed the tracking device used by players.
"It's very difficult to control your emotions when you have lost a close game. Inside, I was planning. To me, that was the last day I played cricket for India. I announced my retirement after a year, but the fact was that day I retired. We are given these tracker machines and all that. I went to the trainer and I gave it back to him. He was like 'no, no keep it'. I was like how do I tell him that I don't need it anymore, I won't be using it? I didn't want to announce it at that point in time," MS Dhoni said.
Dhoni further elaborated on the depth of emotion he experienced, emphasizing the profound pride that a sportsperson feels when representing their country on the international stage.
"Once you are high on emotion, you know the only thing you have done in the last 12-15 yeas is playing cricket and then you realise there is no more chance of representing your country. It's a very big thing. So many people are there, but only a few get a chance to represent their country. And sportsperson, they have that luxury. Once I quit cricket, there was no way I would be representing my country. I am an Indian citizen and all, but to bring some glory… all those things were in my mind, you are high on emotions at that time," Dhoni added.
The semi-final of the 2019 World Cup was an emotional rollercoaster, with India's top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, struggling against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack. The Indian team found themselves in dire straits at 5/3 and later 24/4, with Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and James Neesham wreaking havoc.
The pivotal moment of the match was MS Dhoni's run-out. Martin Guptill, who had been relatively quiet throughout the tournament, unleashed a pinpoint throw from deep backward square leg. With just one stump to target, Guptill's laser-guided throw hit the mark, and Dhoni was run out by a mere 15 centimeters. This moment not only altered the course of the game but also marked the conclusion of an era in Indian cricket, as it turned out to be Dhoni's final appearance in international cricket for India.
Dhoni's run-out stirred a wave of emotions among fans and players alike. Known for his unruffled and composed demeanor, Dhoni's visible distress in that moment served as a powerful reminder of the passion and commitment that define a sportsperson's journey when representing their nation.
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