A momentous occasion happened at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the Gujarat Titans’ home game when the umpires stopped Shivam Dube to measure the height of a full throw, causing the crowd to quiet down. Not only was it the Titans’ home game, but there was also a lot of buzz about MS Dhoni’s impending arrival. With his supporters fixed on him, Dhoni took the pitch as Dube was given the command to march forward.
The meaning of the game, the postseason race, and the nuances of net run rate all vanished in that instant. One man and his loyal followers were the centre of attention.
For Dhoni, the IPL has become an annual celebration over the past two years. Although fans clamor for him to bat higher in the order, a knee injury limits his ability to wield the bat with full force for more than 15 balls. Against GT, he faced just 11 deliveries, yet managed to strike three towering sixes, each with its own flair.
The first of Dhoni’s sixes was a remarkable one-handed swat to a Mohit Sharma knuckle ball, resonating throughout the stadium. But Dhoni was just warming up. With 53 runs needed, the outcome seemed improbable, yet fans were simply eager to witness Dhoni at the crease for every remaining delivery. He nearly achieved this, facing seven of the last eight balls.
In the final over bowled by Rashid Khan, Dhoni showcased his trademark helicopter shot, dispatching the first two deliveries into the stands. Even when out of position, his exceptional hand-eye coordination compensated, exemplified by a powerful swing with just one hand on the bat handle.
However, the third ball of the over ended in an anti-climax as Dhoni opted to defend, only to be struck on the back leg by a googly. Despite a brief appeal from Rashid, the umpire’s decision stood, confirmed by a review which indicated the ball would have missed the stumps. With three balls remaining, Dhoni’s mere presence continued to captivate the crowd.