Just over a week ago, two of Indian Cricket’s biggest gems brought an entire nation to a standstill as they bid their goodbyes to International Cricket. MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, two of the most celebrated names in not just India, but all over the world decided that it’s time to hang up the boots.
Not many of us remember seeing MSD or Raina make their way into the Indian dressing room, but they both have been an integral part of the life of every Cricket fan in this country. All throughout my childhood, I’ve witnessed innumerable instances of both these players walk onto the field, produce something magnificent and win games for the country or for CSK.
Suresh Raina & MS Dhoni take a stump each after their win against Pakistan in 2006.
Both Dhoni and Raina began their International careers around the same time; with the former coming into the side about 7 months before the latter. They both came from middle-class families, having humble beginnings. MS, known for his bludgeoning batting style, didn’t have the best of starts as he got out for a duck in his first innings against Bangladesh. Sourav Ganguly, who was the captain at the time, backed Dhoni’s unorthodox technique and gave him a safe spot in the side.
That backing would go on to prove immensely beneficial for Dhoni as runs galore off his bat in the next two years. He moved up the order and scored a 123-ball 148 against arch-rivals Pakistan. This caught everyone’s eyeballs and people knew this boy from Ranchi was one to look out for. Number 3 was the place to be for MSD in those years, as he also registered 183* off 145 balls against Sri Lanka, which ended up being his career-best score in white ball cricket.
Wicket Keeper batsman MS Dhoni powers his way through to a magnificent 148.
It was around this time that the Helicopter Shot came into being, as James Anderson’s yorker went searing into the crowd, much to the delight of Indian fans. In an era where India breeded orthodox, technically correct batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman; MS showed one and all that there is more than one way to score runs and to entertain. Out of the box became the new cool.
Not just with the bat, Dhoni also impressed one and all behind the stumps. Because of his extreme lower body strength, he covered ground on both sides and didn’t need to dive. On top of that, he was exceptional while keeping to spinners, with lightening fast hands right from the start. Again, not the most technically sound, but as effective as one could hope to be.
Quickest hands in the business
These two things, paired with his terrific ability to stay in the moment and read the game well, MS was then promoted to captaincy in the T20 World Cup in 2007. There were a few doubts about how the team would fare, as it was relatively inexperienced, with a new captain altogether. But MS’s troop shocked the world, as they won, and won comprehensively, beating Pakistan in the finals and announcing their arrival in the newest format of the game.
A triumphant Dhoni roars after beating Pakistan and clinching the T20 World Cup.
Not only did India announce themselves to the world, so did MS Dhoni. The Wicket-Keeper Batsman went on to lead India in all formats of the game, winning trophy after trophy. Be it the Commonwealth Bank Series in 08, 2011 WC, 2013 Champions Trophy, No. 1 Test side or 3 IPL wins, MSD achieved it all.
Nothing left to achieve – All ICC trophies plus the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as early 2007 saw the humiliating defeat of the Indian Cricket Team in the ODI World Cup. Even in 2013, there were allegations made about the Indian Skipper’s involvement in Spot-Fixing. To go with that, there have been many times where his ability to captain the Test side was questioned.
A dejcected MS Dhoni walks back to the pavilion after being run out in the 2015 WC semis.
No matter what is said about the man, everyone would admit that his impact on white ball Cricket in India is nothing short of exemplary. The fact that CSK has played 8 IPL finals under him, won 3 titles, 2 Champion Leagues, says a lot about the man and his leadership. To go with that, there have been so many games where he has brought the team back from the brink of defeat, and finished the game in style. When I say “Finish the game in style”, memories flood back from that World Cup winning six in 2011, easily the biggest moment for Indian Cricket in the 21st Century, one memory that makes the hair in the back of the neck stand up.
The shot that fulfilled a billion dreams.
How can I end this blog without mentioning his counterpart, and the one that retired alongside. Suresh Raina has been MS Dhoni’s go-to-man throughout his career. He was the part of almost every event that I mentioned above. And to be honest, it wouldn’t be fair to not give him enough credit.
Known as Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina has been one of the most exciting talents to have played for India. Every time he donned the blue, he played with his heart on his sleeve. Giving his all, be it with the bat or on the field. He is one of the players who took responsibility to take the level of fielding in India to another level. The spectacular catches he has pulled off in the past, be it out on the ropes or in the ring, they have all been so thoroughly enjoyed.
The left hander was also a terrific middle-order batsman. His ability to shift gears and up the ante is quite rare. His beautiful inside-out stroke is something that lovers of batting relish. He has won many a game for India. He played an important role in the 2011 WC, as he scored runs exactly when India needed them. He became the first Indian to score a 100 in T20Is, and also the first Indian to score 100s across all three formats. He is an unsung hero, one that deserves a lot more credit than he gets.
The glorious Inside-Out on display from Suresh Raina.
As both of these stalwarts call time on their illustrious journeys, the outpouring of love flooded Social Media. Moments that they’ve given to Indians for over a decade and a half came rushing back in everyone’s mind. It would be fair to say that even though they won’t don the Blues again, the impact that these two have had on Cricket in India, and on youngsters in the country, is enormous. And to match their stature and achievements, especially of MS Dhoni, would take a hell an effort-something that I feel we won’t see. At least in this life.
-Vibhor Dubey
Can only walk away from the sport, not our hearts. Two players, a million memories.
The Average Cricketer 