India’s World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni played his last match for the Indian team in the semi-finals of the 2019 world tournament on this day. The tense outing ended after a brilliant throw from Martin Guptill hit the stumps.
MS Dhoni playing a shot in the 2019 World Cup. (courtesy: Reuters)
highlighted
- India lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the World Cup
- Dhoni scored 50 runs in 72 balls in the semi-final
- The great Indian captain decided to retire from the sport for a year
In the international career of the great Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, such feats were achieved which no Indian captain of his era or could ever achieve before. One of the most decorated players of all time, MS Dhoni is unmatched in many aspects of the game. His ability behind the stumps, his sharp mind behind the game and his command over pressure situations, has been a learning factor for many players.
As brilliant as he may be, MS Dhoni’s final game in the Indian jersey was heartbreaking. Playing in the 2019 World Cup, where India were considered one of the favourites, MS Dhoni was not able to chase down Kane Williamson’s semi-final against New Zealand in his miraculous late chase.
In the 49th over of the game, while trying to convert a push into the square leg area for two, the Lightning fast runner’s old leg could not push him enough to complete the second run.
In what is now one of the most iconic images, Dhoni was found millimeters short of the crease as Martin Guptill’s throw crashed into the stumps at the striker’s end.
As soon as Dhoni walked back to the stadium, India’s hopes of reaching the final vanished and Dhoni’s legacy ended with the Indian team.
What a wonderful moment!
Martin Guptill was to run out MS Dhoni and help send New Zealand in for the second time in a row @cricketworldcup The last! #cwc19 pic.twitter.com/i84pTIrYbk
— ICC (@ICC) 10 July 2019
While he did not announce his retirement immediately after the game, Dhoni never played for the national team again. He would announce his retirement next year on India’s Independence Day on 15 August, right when he was run out by Guptill.
Even though Dhoni may not have taken the field again, his presence is still impressive in Indian cricket.
He was a mentor to the Indian team in the 2021 T20 World Cup and even made an appearance in the dressing room of the current Indian team which is currently touring England.
He was also seen regularly imparting his knowledge in the Indian Premier League 2022, while interacting with the young cricketers.
— the ending —