Eyes closed, Mahendra Singh seemed to slip into meditation mode in the dugout even as the world around him was going crazy. Four runs were needed off the final ball but Dhoni looked unfazed. At least he didn’t want to show his feelings.
As Ravindra Jadeja swung it past short fine leg to hit the winning runs, the Chennai Super Kings dugout exploded. While the players sprinted to the middle to trigger the celebrations with Jadeja, a smiling Dhoni chose to acknowledge the support staff’s contribution.
For the most part of Monday night and early Tuesday morning, Dhoni sat in the dressing room, watching their openers get the team off to a flying start as the Gujarat Titans bowlers wilted under pressure. He came and sat on the sidelines once he decided to promote himself in the batting order ahead of Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, the only time in this tournament.
The magic, however, didn’t work and Dhoni was dismissed first ball. With 21 needed off 13 balls, the nerves were jangling and he chose to remain in the dugout, pads on. He stayed put that way until the championship was decided and broke the shackles of emotion when Jadeja ran towards him and the captain lifted him spontaneously for a bear hug.
Jadeja dedicated their fifth IPL title to Dhoni, whom he described emotionally as a “special man” minutes after the victory. “We did it for ONE and ONLY “MS DHONI. mahi bhai aapke liye toh kuch bhi…” Jadeja tweeted later.
All speculation of mistrust and rift were thrown out of the window in that single act and it showed the strong bonding and camaraderie in the CSK ranks which has been widely responsible for their dramatic triumph in Ahmedabad. None gave them a chance after they finished second from bottom in the 2022 edition and it was a matter of Dhoni’s impending last hurrah that kept the interest going among the fans and spectators.
CSK players celebrate with the daughters of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, Ziva (left) and Nidhyana (right), at the Motera. PTI picture
“This one was more special because of how last year went for us. To come back in style, to win games at Chepauk and to win away games,” opener Ruturaj Gaikwad put it well in the end.
CSK’s maiden triumph in 2010 will always rank among the best along with 2018 when they came back following a two-year suspension. In 2020, they finished seventh in the eight-team tournament but were crowned champions the next season. But that side included the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Robin Uthappa and Josh Hazlewood, among others.
But this IPL was exceptional. CSK never looked so unconvincing on paper with a wonky middle-order and an unsettled attack. The credit should also go to the support staff comprising head coach Stephen Fleming, batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling consultant Eric Simons and newly appointed bowling coach Bravo. CSK have kept faith in their backroom staff through the good and bad times when other franchises have gone for an overhaul at the slightest pretext.
This continuity helped in their planning and preparation, building a team culture that is tough to emulate. Dhoni’s sessions with the players gave them confidence and ensured they never suffered from insecurity.
Eyebrows were raised when a woefully out of form and a mismatch in this format Ajinkya Rahane was picked at the auction. But Dhoni kept his faith in the experienced batter and clarity of role saw a flamboyant Rahane in his new avatar. Even Shivam Dube was a revelation this season.
Dhoni’s gesture of allowing Ambati Rayudu, in his last IPL game, to receive the trophy with Jadeja standing beside him has already won hearts. It speaks volumes about the values and tradition of recognising a player’s contribution in the side.
Overcome by the love and adulation, Dhoni, who will turn 42 in July, emotionally declared that he wanted to “gift” his fans another season even if it was “tough” to work on his body for another nine months. He has gone beyond being judged by the numbers since just his presence matters. But will his body be able to take the rigour?
