If you have watched the ‘Dark Knight’ by Nolan, there is a beautiful dialogue at the end of the movie “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain“. That is exactly what is happening to Dhoni. The funny thing is that this has been true for the past several years but no one (except Harsha Bhogle sometimes) has pointed out that Dhoni, instead of enhancing the prospects of CSK, is actually hampering them. For rational fans like me, it was tough to validate his overstay. In 2023 when we won the cup, it was a golden opportunity, what with all the emotions and stuff. When I saw him in 2024 I thought, probably he is there as it is the last year before auction. So I was in total disbelief when Dhoni was retained before auction. Even Ajinka Rahane would have been a better option. Now, like I said, I have long held Dhoni in very high esteem and that is why it is painful to pen this down. In fact it was in draft for over half a year, hoping against hope that he will discover the truth and give way.
I can’t make myself believe that he is just there as a show piece, a puppet for BCCI, to pull in the crowds, wherever he goes – even in Guwahati – ardent fans wearning the yellow jersey and chanting his name. How much has this been exploited – all to glance a glimpse of someone who was once a great leader. All experts and commentators, when they watch him struggle, just choose to talk about what a great finisher he once was – that is exactly the point – he is a historical match winner. How many can touch their heart and say that they believe Dhoni will take them over the line – no one unless they are under some heavy influence. Worse yet, he is becoming a match loser who eats up dot balls and pushes the other batsmen to suicidal shots or gets the team to either a below par score or with unsurmountable required run rates in the last overs.
It is beyond me how anyone who comes to the crease when boundaries are required can so non-chalantly take singles after singles. Mind blowing. I can’t think what must be going through say Jadeja’s mind at the other end – probably the same thing that goes through my mind – a painful realization – that Dhoni is a mere shadow (a very faint one at that) of his former self – one who commanded respect and adulation. I can’t watch him slowly, painfully deterioating – please be the hero you were meant to be – please be Dhoni.