Despite runs drying up, no matching Dhoni’s fan following
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Virat Kohli & Co gear up for the fifth and final ODI against West Indies here, the focus will be on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who in the last 10 matches has managed only 127 runs at an average of 18.14, something that has invited criticism from all sections of the cricketing fraternity.
Given that he has retired from Tests and was recently axed from the T20I series against the West Indies and Australia, the earliest Dhoni can hope of donning the India jersey is nearly two-and-ahalf-months away. His wicketkeeping skills are not under the scanner, though, and that is the only factor going his way.
However, despite runs drying up from his bat, the only cricketer who commands a huge following here is the former India skipper. From merchandise selling on the streets to a gigantic 35-feet cutout outside the Greenfield International Stadium Dhoni’s popularity stands out. Despite his form, Virat Kohli seems to have done just enough to find his name on the back of a few jerseys. But the rest, including the Rohit Sharmas and Ambati Rayudus, still have a long way to go.
The buzz began on Tuesday itself, with a number of fans thronging the stadium. On Wednesday, many more could be seen in and around the stadium as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant stepped in for the optional training session.
ODI cricket is returning to the city after three decades, so the excitement is understandable. The last time a match was held here was in 1988, when Phil Simmons and Gordon Greenidge stamped their authority over the hosts. Matches then were used to be held at the University Stadium.
This fixture, too, would not have made its way to Thiruvananthapuram after the Kerala Cricket Association had planned to shift the game to Kochi. However, with growing displeasure among fans, and sportspersons such as Sunil Chhetri and Sachin Tendulkar, who did not want the Fifa-approved venue to get damaged, the KCA dropped the plan. Thursday is also a special day for the region as November 1 is also celebrated as Kerala Piravi, the day the state was formed in 1956. The fixture will come as a breather for the locals following the devastating floods earlier this year.