On this day in 2019, MS Dhoni played his last game for India against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. As we all know, the team led by Virat Kohli fell agonizingly short, losing the game at Manchester by 18 runs as the Kiwis ended India's dream of winning another World Cup title.
MS Dhoni later went on to announce his retirement from international cricket in August 2020 with no major cricketing action taking place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision meant he had no chance to receive a proper farewell from the game in national colors.
The ICC posted a short highlight package from the semi-final game on Twitter on its second anniversary, reminding Indian fans of the heartbreak they suffered in 2019.
While a section of the fans continue to blame MS Dhoni for his slow knock of 50 off 72 balls, some argue if not for the run-out, the wicketkeeper batter would have seen India home to an improbable win. Here are some of the best reactions:
Dhoni, who recently turned 40, is still the skipper of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. His team came roaring back into form in the first phase of the 2021 IPL season after a disappointing outing in the 2020 edition. CSK are currently placed second in the points table, with the second phase of the tournament set to resume in September in the UAE.
CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently backed MS Dhoni to play for one or two more seasons for CSK, stating that he was still doing a fine job as a leader and finisher.
While CSK might be doing well as a team in IPL 2021, MS Dhoni is yet to fire with the bat. In four innings in IPL 2021, the former India captain could manage just 37 runs at a strike rate of 123.33.
The Indian legend didn't have the best time with the bat last season either. This was a big reason for CSK's poor run in the 2020 IPL as Dhoni could only amass 200 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 116.27.
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