It was April 2023, and I found myself at Bhubaneswar airport when the legendary MS Dhoni stepped onto the field with just a handful of balls remaining in the CSK innings against LSG at Chepauk. The television near boarding Gate 1, previously ignored, suddenly became the center of attention. Passengers who weren’t glued to Jio Cinema on their phones flocked to the screen, forming a crowd larger than the security check queue. Everyone wanted a glimpse of Mahi.
“Why didn’t he come out earlier?” a young boy asked his father as Dhoni made his way to the crease. The same question echoed across Chepauk. Why Jadeja and not Dhoni? Perhaps MSD had decided to play these impactful cameos throughout the IPL. Once again, the phrase “Mahi maar raha hai” resonated across the nation.
The match ended with CSK securing a 12-run victory over LSG. In his brief 3-ball stay, Dhoni smashed two sixes, which ultimately sealed the win for his team. It was a classic MSD moment—short, sharp, and decisive.
Over the years, Dhoni has repeatedly delivered in clutch situations. Whether it’s the 2011 World Cup final, where he famously promoted himself ahead of in-form players like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina to lead India to glory, or countless IPL matches, he has always been the man for the big occasion. That’s what defines the MSD cult—his ability to win.
Which is why it was so disheartening to see him walk out to bat at number 9 in the recent match against RCB. Surely, this wasn’t Ruturaj’s decision. It had to be Dhoni’s. But why? Why would a player of his caliber, one of the greatest match-winners in cricket history, deny himself the chance to turn the game around?
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MS Dhoni is a name synonymous with clarity, composure, and calculated risks. His ability to think on his feet and absorb pressure in high-stakes situations has made him one of the most successful leaders in cricket. But against RCB, it felt like he had resigned himself to defeat. And that’s what stung the most.
Throughout his career, Dhoni’s mind has been his greatest weapon. Beyond his leadership and cricketing skills, he embodies a process-driven work ethic that knows how to win. That’s why he’s revered as a winner—both on and off the field. While some fans may have enjoyed his late cameo, I couldn’t help but feel it wasn’t the MSD we’ve come to admire. This wasn’t the Thala who inspired millions. This wasn’t the Dhoni who never gives up. Last night, it felt like he did.
