MS Dhoni’s run out in the ODI World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand was one of the most heartbreaking moments for the Indian fans.
With India at a striking distance from the target, most of the fans backed Dhoni to put on an exhibition of stroke-play and win the game for India in the last over as he had so often done in the past.
It was a tough ask, but since Dhoni had the capability to hit sixes, there was a possibility he could chase even 15 runs in the last over which was to be bowled by the New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
But, Dhoni didn’t manage to get through to the last over. While trying to go for a quick double and farm the strike in the second last over of the game which was being bowled by Lockie Ferguson, Dhoni was found short of the crease by a direct hit from Martin Guptill.
As the former Indian captain was returning to the pavilion, the Indian fans just didn’t know how to react for a minute or so, but eventually, as it sunk in, they all gave Dhoni a standing ovation realizing what he had done for the country over the years.
Mayanti Langer, the sports broadcaster who was present at the venue herself, recently revealed all she he could hear people say after Dhoni’s dismissal was “Dhoni, you have given us everything”.
Dhoni is the only captain ever to have won all the three ICC world tournaments under his captaincy.
While most of the people admire Dhoni for his heroics in world tournaments, the wicket-keeper batsman captained India with distinction in Test cricket as well. He took India to the top of the ICC rankings after taking over the Test captaincy from Anil Kumble in 2008.
Dhoni indeed gave India “everything”.
