Mahendra Singh Dhoni: End of a dream, thanks for the memories

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to call it a day as the captain of India’s limited over format on Wednesday which left the entire cricketing fraternity in shock.

The 35-year-old took Indian cricket to a new level with his outstanding captainship skills but the ride which looks straight and simple had series of obstructions. Luck played an important role to shape his future but his hard work and determination proved to be the game changer.

Hailing from Jharkhand, it is fair to say that MS Dhoni didn't have the usual path to cricket. Yet, what makes his journey all the more impressive is the fact that he spent a considerable portion of his youth working as a Train Ticket Examiner (TTE), which is a long way away from being a famous Indian cricketer.

From 2001 to 2003, Dhoni was a Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Kharagpur railway station, under South Eastern Railway in Midnapore (W), a district in West Bengal. Much like his cricket career, his colleagues remember him as an honest and straightforward employee of the Indian Railways.

Once a ‘tennis ball’ player, Dhoni, not only went to represent and lead the country but he led cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar who the Jharkhand man considered his idol.

When he was playing age-group cricket, Dhoni’s one wish was to meet Tendulkar and play at least one match with or against him. Once he was Picked as a reserve ‘keeper in the East Zone side to play a star-studded West Zone squad in the Duleep Trophy in 2000-2001. He got the opportunity to see Tendulkar from the dressing room as his ‘God’ compiled a masterly 199.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachion Tendulkar went on to play together for nine long years.

When it came down to select next India captain in 2007, it was the ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar who recommend Dhoni’s name to led India and rest is history

Winning everything on offer, Mahendra Singh Dhoni became India’s most successful captain. He is the only captain clinch 3 ICC trophies which include the World Cup in 2011, T20 World Cup in 2007 and the Champions Trophy, along with the Asia Cup. Dhoni also led Chennai Super Kings to IPL titles and Champions League victory -  What one captain desires to win, ‘Mahi’ has it all.

Dhoni’s decision to call it quits as the captain was unexpected just like his decisions on the field of cricket – be it his decision to hang his gloves from Test cricket just before the World Cup or his decision to hand over the ball to Joginder Sharma in the final over of the T20 World Cup finals in 2007, Mahi’s moves took everyone by surprise.  

Under his captaincy, India learnt to perform consistently and achieved much in all the formats of the sport. It was his leadership which made India number 1 in the world.