A fan's tribute to MS Dhoni

“Conventional is dull, unconventional is fun,” says the unpretentious game changer. Although it is a well-established fact, that following the basics and working on a predetermined strategy often reaps rich dividends, but, sometimes this is not enough. That is where the game changers step up and rise to the occasion. MS Dhoni, now in the twilight or the impending twilight of his career, is one such game changer.

One glance through the man’s trophy cabinet makes it easy to assess the impact the former captain has had on Indian cricket in particular and on world cricket in general. His on-field tactics are often a mix of astuteness and innovative thinking.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are often involved in situations where the former gives his valuable insights and the latter has no other choice but to repose faith in the senior teammate.

Now that, the man’s batting abilities are on conspicuous wane, the cricketing experts' world is rightly calling for the need to reassess the man’s role in the national side.

With opinions varying from increased playing time in the domestic leagues to immediate retirement to donning the mentor’s cap, the former captain has to be undoubtedly single-minded in his decision making.

With the young and dynamic Rishabh Pant in Tests and the ever-reliable Dinesh Karthik in ODIs easing into the roles of keeper-batsman, MS Dhoni can rest assured that Indian cricket is in safe hands.

However, for a diehard fan, it is and will be tough to watch a man of MS Dhoni’s stature retire. That just serves as a testimony to the lasting legacy of the man. The thunderous applause and the ”Dhoniii, Dhoniii“ chants will always be a mainstay in a cricket fan’s fondest memories of the man.