Sunday, May 29, 2011

Understanding Dhoni - The Phenomenon

CSK wins the IPL4 and defends its crown. Accolades start pouring in again and Dhoni is topic of discussion everywhere, in FaceBook discussions, on news channels, at lunch tables and so on. Dhoni is vilified by some and deified by others. Its all about Dhoni everywhere. Here we evaluate the phenomenon that is Dhoni.

        Dhoni, is a very good wicketkeeper and a better than average batsman. He picks himself automatically in most of the IPL or International sides, even in ALL-TIME 11's. Add to it the way he conducts himself as a captain and his responsible innings at crucial times[read WC 2011 finals and many successful run chases] make him an invaluable player.

       That being said, he is just a part of all those wins. He displays the talent but he is also lucky to be a part of great teams. CSK won so many titles beacuse of Raina's, Badri's, Vijay's, Bollinger's and Ashwin's super efforts. Dhoni can be credited with giving them confidence but its anybody's guess what would he do with a side like Rajasthan Royals. On the flip side, Sachin had the best side on paper but has not won IPL yet.

       Some Videos about WC2011 show Dhoni as the India's saviour with no mention of other players, which in my opinion is a disservice to all those who made us win the cup. Zaheer khan took 21 wkts in subcontinent conditions and dismissed top order batsmen but I dont see him in the news but Dhoni always is!!!  Zaheer's contribution, like that of Ashwin for CSK, got overshadowed by Dhoni. The only contribution of Dhoni in WC was 91*, those runs were scored in finals and under presssure, duly acknowleged [he got a MoM for it]. But, it in no way makes Dhoni the warrior who brought us the cup.

       Cricket is a team game. Dhoni is a good captain of great teams. One feels that, Dhoni somehow gets credited with the success achieved by his team mates.The success he has achieved is more about the teams and their players rather than Dhoni himself. But this deified Image has been created  by people and media alike, which makes him look larger than life. Hoping that with the end of the cricketing season, this Dhoni phenomenon mellows down a little.

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