On October 2, 1980, over 2 billion people tuned into watch the ‘Last Hurrah’ – a monumental boxing bout between The Great Muhammad Ali and rising star Larry Holmes.
Just minutes into the fight, most of them turned off their television sets – some in agony, and others in anger – after watching the ruthless prodigy beat the living daylights out of their beloved champion.
In fact, the assault was so bad that his coach had to intervene to stop the match to save Ali from being brutally injured.
Although nearly unbeatable at his prime, Ali was too proud to acknowledge his physical decline as his career progressed, and was hoping to beat a 31-year-old Holmes to cement his invincibility in the ring – forgetting how stiff and neurologically damaged he was, owing to the heavy blows he took on his head throughout an eventful career.
While the late Muhammad Ali still remains a larger-than-life figure across the globe for his unique verbal grace and unmatched dexterity, MS Dhoni – the former Indian skipper – is a man often valued for his composure, quick-wittedness and outlandish batting style, among cricketing circles.
Perhaps drawing a comparison between the two is unfair, but there is something that unites them both – neither of them liked retirement.
Sure, it is Dhoni’s captaincy and flamboyance that won us the World Cup, the T20 World Championship and the Champions Trophy, but nearly a decade has passed by and Dhoni is no more the intimidating figure he once was in international cricket.
You could almost tell how hard he is trying to leave an imprint of his old splendour on the cricket field, but the more you see him struggle, the less likely you are to endorse his skills as a player.
Dhoni’s scores in this IPL so far has been 0(2), 18(17), 17(8), and 2(3). And this isn’t a sudden shift in the state of affairs.
Even in IPL 2020, he could only score 200 runs in 14 matches at a meagre strike rate of 116, not clearing the half-century mark even once.
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Christopher Gayle amassed 288 runs from the seven games he played at an average of 41.14, a strike rate of 137 and a high score of 99, with three half-centuries and 23 sixes in his bag.
So, age may not be the only factor.
India’s MS Dhoni. (AP Photo/David Rowland)
Although his team has been able to make a turnaround this season, a large portion of this success can be credited to the consistent performance of the openers, the inclusion of explosive all-rounder Moeen Ali and the all-round exploits of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja.
The skipper’s contribution was a mere 2.8 per cent of the total runs tally of 1285, making him one of the lowest contributors among regular batsmen of all the eight teams this season – second only to Nicolas Pooran of Punjab Kings.
Dhoni’s refusal to bat up the order has also come under the scanner, with many critics, including former opener Gautam Gambhir, calling him out on social media.
For someone who is blatant with his criticisms, Gambhir himself had scored nearly 500 runs in his penultimate IPL season at an average of 41.50 with four fifties, finishing right behind David Warner in the list of top run scorers.
But when he struggled to make progress in 2018, Gambhir wasn’t shy to come out and admit his inadequacies.
In fact, he surrendered the entire IPL salary of 2.8 crores, gave up his captaincy and his position in the team, and proudly announced retirement from all forms of cricket before scoring 112 in his final Ranji Trophy match to sign off in style.
There is no denying the fact that age is just a number, as long as you perform.
England’s James Anderson – who turns 39 this July – bowled 97 overs this Test season at a staggering economy rate of 1.79, an average of 12.36, and a career best strike rate of 41.50.
The 6-40 he picked up against Sri Lanka earlier this year happens to be his best bowling figures in Asia to date.
(AAP Image/David Moir)
Former Australian Opener Chris Rogers, who could only make it to the national team as a regular member in his mid-30s, retired as Player of the Series in the 2015 Ashes, scoring 480 runs in five matches at age 38.
Another Aussie legend, Adam Gilchrist – a man Dhoni is often compared to – managed to score 83 off 50 in his last ODI match at the MCG in front of a packed home crowd, a week before his retirement.
Even Rahul Dravid – famously known for his slow batting – scored 69 off 79 and 31 off 21 in his final ODI and T20 outings in international cricket.
The great Sachin Tendulkar scored 52 off 48 in his last ODI and 74 in his last Test innings.
Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath – the most successful left-arm spinner in cricket history – picked up 12 wickets in a two-match series against a strong South African side in 2018 with best figures of 6-98. He was 40 at the time.
The Chennai Super Kings skipper, however, hasn’t crossed the half-century mark for 27 games now, since his 84 against RCB in a losing cause in April 2019.
None of this is to say Dhoni is a wrong inclusion.
His presence is definitely uplifting for the team, but he would be more useful in an administrative position than as a full-time member in the side, especially when his contribution on the field is minimal.
CSK may also be missing out on an opportunity to groom another wicketkeeper-batsman by not employing an exchange policy – something Dhoni liked doing during his time as Indian captain.
Strangely, many in the cricketing fraternity seem to remain silent on the issue – perhaps fearing his fans on social media – making this another ‘untold’ story of the legendary captain.
Steven Mathew
Guest
Yet he couldn't score as much as Dhoni or Sangakkara.
Jason
Guest
I’ve always wondered why Bevan couldn’t perform at the test level. The guy refuses to get out and has great determination. He’s also a team man (unlike Dhoni who often keeps the strike to himself in the final overs, almost emasculating other batsmen).
Jason
Guest
Only time will tell who is the best. Currently, I think Kohli has better numbers in ODI’s and its toe to toe in Test matches. Kohli also has more shots in his armoury, which is what makes him a better one-day player. Williamson is more like Dhoni - a good finisher and a very consistent performer in all formats of the game. Its probably unfair to make a comparison at this point, we’ll have to wait and see.
Jason
Guest
I did say he was a good test batsman. As for England winning the Ashes, it was a team effort. The likes of Flintoff, Trescothick, Peterson, Harrison, Jones all contributed to the cause. Flintoff alone took over 400 runs and 25 wickets so I don’t think Michael Vaughn’s captaincy made much of a difference.
Dev Patel
Guest
And I don't find anything wrong with him comparing Kohli to Williamson. To be honest, Kohli's recent performance has been below par. Williamson on the other hand, has performed with more consistency and is more calm and collected on the field.
Dev Patel
Guest
Vaughn was a below average one-day player, but a very good test batsman. Also, don't forget that his team won the ashes against the best Australian side ever to play cricket.
Jason
Guest
He’s struggling with his fitness, too. Remember last year when he kept puffing and panting after every run in the UAE? Wasn’t a great sight for fans but was certainly a strong indication of his physical decline. No doubt he has contributed a lot to Indian cricket and Chennai, but if he keeps continuing in the side, it will only hurt his reputation further.
Jason
Guest
Michael Vaughn likes speaking less with the bat and more with his mouth. Was a decent test player but look at his one day stats. An average of 27, a strike rate of 68 and a high score of 90. Even Ravindra Jadeja has better stats so I’m not sure he has the right to criticise Kohli or any decent ODI batsman for that matter. Maybe all he wants is some media attention.
Steven Mathew
Guest
Whoa. I didn't know Gambhir scored a 100 in his last domestic game. Such an underrated player.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Actually Dhoni is more like Bevan, his one day record is incredible but his test record while not as bad as Bevans not that good. Bevan was the best runner between wickets, and Dhoni was also top notch in this. Gilchrist is much better in test cricket and suprisingly not that good in one day cricket despite his aggressive nature.
Gurkeerat Singh
Guest
If you look at the stats alone, Dhoni is way ahead of Adam Gilchrist. Add to that his captaincy, dismissals, and the titles he has won for the team. Gilly doesn’t even come close.
Gurkeerat Singh
Guest
CSK has too many old players now. Raina, Rayudu, Dhoni, Tahir, Jadhav, Uthappa, Bravo. Imagine what would happen when all of them retire together? Who’s gonna fill in the captain’s role? Who will take up wicket keeping? Even Du Plessis is close to 37 now so he can’t be opening for more than 2 seasons! Man, they have some serious thinking to do before the mega auction.
Gurkeerat Singh
Guest
He made an interesting observation on Virat Kohli the other day and is getting spanked by Indian fans on social media now!! The guy likes being in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Dinesh Iyer
Guest
I'm from Chennai and CSK does have concerns. Dhoni's performance was dismal last year. His strike rate of 116 is actually putting a burden on the other players. And FYI, Dhoni gave up his test captaincy in 2014 after back to back losses against England and Australia and his ODI captaincy in early 2017 so I don't think he's been carrying that burden either. As for CSK, it is the brilliance of the openers and the all rounders that have taken them through comfortably this season. And statistics? Not a single half century in 27 games, a strike rate of 116 and a contribution of 2.8 percent with the bat! If those statistics don't prove his decline, I don't know what will?
Kingsley
Guest
Comparisons are good when they are statistically right. How many balls has Dhoni faced? How many matches did he get to play? How many other players did have the burden of being a Captain with excellent strategic moves n consequent success rate. Freelance cricketers with no Captaincy responsibility have more to prove their presence. As long as CSK is not complaining, it's too early to write off the legend with 02 to 03 years of cricketing in him still left, I d dare say for the records. Especially given the short and unforgiving memory of Indian cricket and still not being critical speaks about the indelible mark the legend has left, and guess what...? He deserves..!
Shawn
Guest
Dhoni was good. Sangakkara was better. Gilchrist was the best.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Great career, but never was as good as Gilly
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Wicketkeepers dont have the same life span as other cricketers due to all the physical strain from wicket keeping and keeping to spinners is a lot worse than fast bowlers. Dhoni should have given up keeping a few years ago and concentrated on his t20 batting maybe he could continue as a T20 specialist batter. Most of the older cricketers that do well as T20 batsman also look more muscular. Dhoni as he has aged he looks weak compared to his younger days.
Camo McD
Roar Guru
Interesting question but CSK have got plenty of firepower with the bat anyway I reckon. Plus Dhoni’s legendary status is probably worth a fair bit in terms of viewers. I would argue his keeping and captaincy are more important these days. If he is doing those well, he is more than worth his spot in the team even if he bats at no 9 or 10.
Dinesh Iyer
Guest
Well written! Dhoni is way past his prime. Chennai should reconsider having him in the team next season.