MS Dhoni: An Autograph to Remember
India ‘A’ was touring to Kenya to play the triangular tournament in 2004 under the captaincy of Sairaj Bahutule. Pakistan and Kenya were the other two teams in the tournament. India was highly dependent on two young players – The dynamic opener from Delhi, Gautam Gambhir and the flamboyant wicket-keeper batsman from Ranchi, MS Dhoni.
The Rise of MS Dhoni:
India Played the first match against Kenya. Dhoni opened with Gambhir but scored only 8 runs. The next game was against Pakistan and it was a very crucial match for Team India as they lost the first match against Kenya and wanted to win big against Pakistan. It was decided that Dhoni would play at one down. He played a majestic innings of 70 runs and India won by 4 wickets.
The next match was against Kenya again and India won by 10 wickets, MSD didn’t get the opportunity to bat. India played against Pakistan next and Dhoni went big. He scored 120 runs and India won the match by 121 runs.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe following match was against Kenya. Dhoni scored 30 runs and India won by 6 wickets. The last group match was against Pakistan and Dhoni scored unbeaten 119 runs. He smashed 9 boundaries and 5 massive sixes. India won comprehensively by 8 wickets and qualified for the final. Dhoni scored 15 runs in the final and India won the Triangular Tournament by 6 wickets.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Strategy of Pakistan:
Pakistan team was concerned as they couldn’t find a way against Dhoni in the tournament. They had decided to banter with Dhoni and tried to break his concentration. The job was given to leggy Mansoor Amjad. Each time he tried to get under Dhoni’s skin, Dhoni stepped out and hit him a six. Mansoor realized the tactic was not working against Dhoni and concentrated on bowling instead.
An Autograph to Remember
Both Indian and Pakistani players stayed in the same hotel at Nairobi. Mansoor became a friend of Dhoni. Later during a tournament, Mansoor was playing a side match against India senior team. After the match, he was trying to get the autograph of the Indian players but couldn’t manage to grasp anyone. Dhoni saw him outside the dressing room and asked if he was looking for anything. He requested Dhoni to get the autograph of Indian players. Dhoni smiled and told him in a lighter note, “Take my autograph and you will remember it later”. Eventually it became true as Dhoni is the legend of the game now. Mansoor still remembers the conversation with Dhoni and cherishes the early days memories with him. MS Dhoni is the inspiration beyond boundaries.