An Open Letter to MS Dhoni
CSK celebrating after winning the IPL 2023 title (Source: Twitter)
Dear Mahi,
The emotions that you went through when the incidents of the image were happening is something which I also felt. It might be that the enormity of the occasion was much more for you but believe me, those tears in your eyes were not the only ones shed that day.
For someone following you since your India-A days in Nairobi, there were no limits to the emotion that hit upon me. I have been with you in your journey from the flamboyance of those early days to your transition to a mature and responsible middle-order stabiliser for the team, from 'Mahi mar raha hai' to 'definitely not'; I experienced the ups and downs of your journey.
Your calmness and composure taught me to ignore critics with a smile. You taught your fans to be unfazed even in the toughest situations. As it is said, the higher you achieve in life, the more critics you get; the same was true with you. The more glory you bought to Indian cricket, the more critics pointed out the flaws in your playing style. But just like you, we learned to ignore the critics and shut out their sounds, keeping the respect and love for you unaffected.
MS Dhoni- this name transformed from a player I like to an inspiration, to someone I look up to - in a journey of 15 years. It would probably not be too much to say that I am lucky to have seen you play and lead on the field.
The significance of the moment in the image lies in the fact that we knew this probably would be the last time we see you on the field. So, thanks to 'Sir Jadeja' for making it an everlasting memory in our hearts. However, what you said after the match perfectly reflects how thoughtful you are of your fans. We hope you stay fit and come out for one last dance next year.
If this letter ever finds a way to you the please remember this message from a fan - You might have played for just 15 years, but your story and the legacy you have left behind will inspire numerous genrations to come.
By A Forever 'MSDian'
Probuddha Bhattacharjee
 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")
