MS Dhoni and IPL 2020
A batting powerhouse, MS Dhoni is world-famous for possessing the ability to destroy different bowling attacks. His calmness and composure in his demeanour along with a sharp cricketing brain accounts for a lethal combination on the cricketing field. His wicket keeping skills and no look run-outs are muse for cricket lovers.
He was the face of Chennai Super Kings for the first eight editions of the league, leading them to two titles and four runner-up finishes. The last season of the league too saw CSK reach the finals of the tournament under MS Dhoni’s leadership.
Dhoni last played on July 9, 2019, in Manchester during the semi-final of the World Cup against New Zealand. Dhoni took a sabbatical from the sport after India's exit from the 2019 World Cup semi-finals, which eventually turned out to be his final game in the Blue jersey as he announced his retirement from international cricket this year on August 15, India’s Independence Day.
While MS Dhoni has hung up his boots on a 16-year illustrious career for Team India, he is still seen donning the CSK colours in the 2020 edition of the league. After announcing his retirement from international cricket, Dhoni still continues to be seen as the front man for CSK. However, there have been speculations that this might be the champs last.
MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings have found themselves in unchartered territories in the ongoing IPL 2020. A team which is known for dominating the IPL is looking out of sorts in the ongoing competition. The last year runner-ups have been seen struggling on the field, and trail on the last position on the scoreboard.
Dhoni has led CSK in all 10 seasons that the franchise has been part of, in the IPL. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won the IPL thrice and emerged as one of the most successful franchises of the league. Last year, in the 12th edition too, they finished runner-up after losing the finals to Mumbai Indians.
Bravo, a close friend and teammate, who has seen Dhoni from close quarters has said that Dhoni has been thinking about the transition in CSK for a while now. He said that it has been at the back of his mind for quite sometime and he might take the decision soon. Just like our captain cool groomed Virat Kohli to be India’s next captain, he is already preparing to hand over the IPL Kings to the next successor to be captain.
His departure will now provide KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant with the chance to seal their position behind the stumps permanently, according to Dean Jones, an Australian player, coach, and commentator who lost his life a few days ago, on 24th September 2020.
It is not surprising that at some point of time the champ has to get down from the throne and pass the position to a deserving subordinate. It is just a matter of time when one needs to step aside and hand it over to someone younger.
The future is uncertain and as of now, we don’t know if we will see MS Dhoni on the field next season. But what we know for sure is that the former Indian captain, and his marvellous strikes will always remain in our hearts. We are yet to see Chennai super kings perform in this season, hoping for a huge comeback. If this is Dhoni’s last, it might as well be a blast.
-Abigail Gretel Soares