MS Dhoni is the biggest hit with Indore fans
IN THE LONG LINE WAITING TO GET INTO THE STADIUM FROM THE NARENDRA HIRWANI GATE, FANS KEPT CHANTING MS DHONI’S NAME.
INDORE: Indian cricket fans will never forget September 24, 2007. It was the day when MS Dhoni led India to glory with victory over Pakistan by five runs in the final of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in Johannesburg.
The victory changed the landscape of not only Indian cricket, but also world cricket. It led to the creation of IPL and several other Twenty20 leagues around the world. For India, it established the base of dominance that saw Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni’s excellent captaincy in that period has given Virat Kohli the platform to sustain India’s dominance.
In 2017, 10 years after India’s triumph, fans still look back at it with fondness. Ahead of the third ODI between India and Australia in Indore, many fans, queuing up to see the match, were expecting something special from Dhoni.
One Dhoni fan, who sported long locks and wore an India No.7 jersey, had mixed feelings. “I am happy I will see my idol Dhoni play here, but I have not managed to get the ticket. However, I hope I can get it and see my hero play.”
Waiting to get into the stadium from the Narendra Hirwani gate, fans kept chanting Dhoni’s name. When asked to name a player who will have an impact on the Sunday’s match, everyone picked Dhoni. “Dhoni will help India win the series,” screamed fans.
In one group though, loyalties were divided between Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. One of the fans said, “Rohit will score a double ton. This venue is such that a batsman can score even a double.” Surely people here have not forgotten Virender Sehwag’s 219 against West Indies in 2011.
One poster summed up the mood. Don’t Mind repeating everything.”