Should MS Dhoni Retire After West Indies ODIs?

“You Either Die A Hero, Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become The Villain” – This quote from a popular Hollywood movie is perhaps known to one and all. MS Dhoni, arguably India’s second-most popular as well scrutinised cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar, is perhaps headed in a direction that might see him justify the popular quote.

There is absolutely no denying the fact that Dhoni is the most decorated wicketkeeper-batsman not only for India but also in the history of the game. Over 16,000 runs, more than 600 catches, close to 200 stumpings- make it clear that his achievements in the game is second to none.

His achievements as captain is also unparalleled.  Till date, he is the only skipper to have won all the ICC events after leading India to World Cup glory in 2011 followed by the Champions Trophy title in 2013.

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He also led the Indian team to the pinnacle of Test cricket in 2009 in addition to winning several historic overseas series.

But all his achievements as batsman, wicketkeeper and captain are slowly fading away due to his current form. For quite some time now, India’s greatest finisher has struggled to perform as per his reputation.

Should MS Dhoni Retire After West Indies ODIs?
MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has been facing criticism since the home T20I series against New Zealand last year. Dhoni had to cope heat after his 37-ball 49 in India’s defeat in the second T20I against New Zealand. His innings was in stark contrast to Virat Kohli’s free-flowing aggression at the other end. Not only the fans, but former players and TV experts had also questioned his strike rate and inability to hit big shots.

Some handy outings in the South Africa series including his first T20I fifty after playing over a decade helped him ease the burden off himself. It was followed by a stunning outing in the Indian Premier League. He led from the front, as Chennai Super Kings won the title for the third time. The 37-year old enjoyed a stunning season with the bat, amassing 455 runs in 16 games.

But he has struggled with the bat since then.  He had a forgettable tour of England.

In the second ODI, he had walked into bat when India needed 183 in 23 overs. But never during his stay, Dhoni tried to go for the shots. In the end, he was out after scoring 37 off 59 balls, as India were all out for just 236 while chasing 323.

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In fact, his innings was so unusual that the crowd even booed him at one stage which was perhaps the first time the legendary cricketer got booed in his illustrious career.

Should MS Dhoni Retire After West Indies ODIs?
MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni struggled in the third ODI too. He managed to score 42 but used up 66 deliveries for the same. What made things even worse was the timing of his dismissal? He was the last recognised batsmen at the crease and just when it looked like he would accelerate, he departed in the 46th over. India eventually managed a modest 256 for eight. In reply, England chased down the total with utmost ease to win the series.

Everybody had hoped that Dhoni would regain his form once he bats in friendly conditions during the just-concluded Asia Cup 2018. However, those hopes got brutally quashed by the former India skipper. He started the competition with a duck against Hong Kong. It was followed by knocks of 33, 8 and 36.

In 2018, from 15 matches, his strike rate is a paltry 67.21. Considering his batting position, the strike-rate is only going to hurt India.

Well, one can say that it is finally the time that Dhoni puts an end to his miseries and bow out of the game as a hero. The emergence of Rishabh Pant might make his task easier. With not much time left before the next World Cup, the upcoming series against West Indies would be the perfect series for MS Dhoni to bid adieu to the game. It will also give Pant some good amount of time to settle down.

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An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.