MS Dhoni remains evergreen hero for Indore fans after 2007 World Twenty20 success
MS Dhoni, who captained India to their maiden World Twenty20 success in 2007, will play a huge role in the ongoing ODI series against Australia.
Indian cricket fans will never forget September 24, 2007. It was the day when MS Dhoni led India to glory with a 5-win victory over Pakistan in the final of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in Johannesburg. (LIVE BLOG)
The victory changed the landscape of not only Indian cricket, but also world cricket. It led to the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and several other Twenty20 leagues around the world. (LIVE SCORECARD)
For India, it established the base of dominance that saw MS Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. MS 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, are expecting something special from Captain Cool.
READ | On this day: Indian cricket team clinched ICC World Twenty20 title in 2007
One Dhoni fan, who sported long locks and wore an Indian No.7 jersey, was delighted but sad. “I am happy that I will see my idol Dhoni play here, but I have not managed to get the ticket. However, I hope that I can get it and see my hero play.”
In the long line waiting to get into the stadium from the Narendra Hirwani gate, fans kept on chanting, “Dhoni, Dhoni, Dhoni.” When asked as to which player will have an impact in the match, everyone was unanimous. “Dhoni will help India win the series,” screamed all the fans in unison.
READ | Virat Kohli can equal this MS Dhoni record with a win over Australia at Indore
In one group, there was a split between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. One person said, “Rohit will score a double ton. This venue is such that batsmen will score a 200.” This quote highlighted the knowledge of the people here, who have still not forgotten Virender Sehwag’s brilliant 219 against West Indies in 2011.
One poster though summed up the mood of the fans. A group of people carried a large poster of Dhoni with the words, “Don’t mind repeating everything.” On this special day, a series win beckons for Virat Kohli’s Indian cricket team against Australia. A win today will make September 24 an even more special day.
