Indian cricketers are not just considered idols but demi-gods in our country. For many it was Sachin Tendulkar in 90s, then came MS Dhoni followed by skipper Virat Kohli. A lot depends on the impact players like these have, both on and off the field. Young fans hate to see their favourite cricketers get out early, let alone depart for a duck.
In the India vs Hong Kong clash, fans cheered for Dhoni as he walked into the middle. The stage was set for his cameo. Everyone expected him to demolish the inexperienced minnow bowling lineup but the opposite happened. The former Indian skipper got out for a duck to a spinner by Ehsan Khan.
Everyone was shocked. Be it commentators, Indian dressing room, fans in the stands or the ones watching the match at home. As soon as Dhoni took the long way back to the dressing room, the camera panned to his fans in the stand. There was a man who was shell-shocked and did not move a muscle before someone patted him on the back.
Then, there was a kid who was devastated. He was yelling, pushing the chair furiously. The kid had come to watch his favourite cricketer wearing a jersey with Dhoni’s name written over it.
— Gentlemen’s Game (@DRVcricket) September 18, 2018
The importance of the wicket was such that the Hong Kong spinner Ehsan Khan kissed the pitch after his animated celebration. Well, it is not everyday Dhoni gets out for a duck in ODIs.
