Today in 2004, marked a special moment for Indian cricket. A smalltown boy with long hair, eyes focused on task at hand and with a presence of his own, made his debut for India. That man was MS Dhoni.
He made his bow against Bangladesh. Coming to bat, he would have wanted to make an impression, but it wasn’t to be. He was run out without scoring a run. The series turned out an average one for him. Yet, there was evidence that the Ranchi boy was made for big things.
In the first three years of his career, MS Dhoni made quite a mark. Scoring runs, hitting the ball out of the park without much effort, and showing leadership credentials. It was these qualities that he was made the captain of the T20 side for the World Cup in 2007.
What a masterstroke it proved to be as India lifted the inaugural tournament beating Pakistan by 5 runs in a thriller. It was probable the real making of Dhoni, the leader. He had proved his mettle as a captain and led his troops with great distinction.
Although, in a career that has scored tons of runs, it is the leadership that Dhoni has displayed that really stands out. He was the captain of the side that won the 50 over World Cup for India after 28 years in 2011. In the final against Sri Lanka, he was there when the team needed him. He scored an unbeaten 91 to guide his team home.
It has to be the main highlight of his career, but there is so much he has won. After the historic triumph in 2011, Dhoni led India to the Champions Trophy win in 2013. The men in blue beat hosts England in a thriller by 5 runs.
Also, having led India to number one in Test rankings, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that Dhoni hasn’t achieved. His career is all about greatness, exuberance and greatest of leadership.
His hasn’t retired yet, and he is hopeful of making the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup. While he is around, we just got to enjoy the magic. It is when he retires that we will understand the real value of the man who made India a dominant force to be reckoned with.