Glad tidings await Dhoni during World Cup
MUMBAI: The stream of disappointing news has continued for Mahendra Singh Dhoni as far as the India team is concerned. It was first the Test series defeat and on Friday, it was the failure to qualify for the tri-series final. Throw in his sudden retirement from Test cricket, and the wait for a piece of good news out of Australia is getting way too long for the Indian cricket fans.
The friction between Dhoni and the press over his decision to retire and his name getting obliquely mentioned in connection with Justice Mudgal Committee’s IPL spot-fixing report too hasn’t been pleasant going into the World Cup.
However, there is good news that awaits India’s ODI captain on the home front. Dhoni is going to be a father soon. His wife Sakshi is expecting and the due date is sometime in February. The chances are that the birth of the baby may coincide with India’s campaign at the World Cup.
That is why the Indian skipper’s wife, who is otherwise prominent in the stands, has not travelled with him in the last 7-8 months. With the delivery date drawing close, it has made Dhoni both anxious and excited.
Despite non-stop cricketing engagements from the time Dhoni arrived in Australia, he has been getting constant updates about his wife’s health. There is palpable excitement amongst the family members of Dhoni and Sakshi.
It may be recalled that in an interview to commentator Mark Nicholas during India’s tour of England last year, when queried about his family plans, Dhoni had given a cheeky reply, ‘we are practicing’.
Becoming a father could well be the good luck charm Dhoni needs, a happy occasion waiting to be celebrated in the India camp.