Indian fans think it is the end of MS Dhoni era after the BCCI omitted the former captain from the annual player contracts list. #ThankYouDhoni was trending on Twitter. Read what fans are saying about the wicketkeeper-batsman
Bengaluru: Indian cricket fans turned emotional on Thursday (January 16) after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the annual player contracts.
The biggest talking point was that of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s omission from the contract list. Dhoni has not played for India since the ICC World Cup 2019 in England in July 2019.
Also read: Full list of BCCI contracted players
Dhoni played in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand as the Virat Kohli-led side suffered a heartbreaking defeat. In that knockout game, Dhoni was run out as India fell short of the target.
After that defeat, Dhoni took a break from cricket to serve in the Army. However, after that he was not picked for any series. BCCI selection panel chief MSK Prasad had said they had “moved on” from Dhoni.
When Dhoni himself was asked about his international future, he had said “wait till January”. Now, it is January but there is not sign of the 2011 World Cup winning captain. India are currently involved in a three-ODI series against Australia.
When the selectors announced the Indian T20I and ODI squads for the New Zealand tour, there too Dhoni’s name was missing. Now, the latest contract list from the BCCI has left the fans wondering whether it is the end of Dhoni era.
Fans took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to trend #ThankYouDhoni. #MSDhoni was also trending on Thursday (January 16) afternoon. However, there were other fans too who believe Dhoni would return to international cricket.
The BCCI seems to have sent out a strong signal to Dhoni. With him not available for India duty, the Indian cricket board, led by former captain Sourav Ganguly, has decided to not hand him any contract for the year 2019-2020.
The 38-year-old Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 in an ODI against Bangladesh. He is the only captain in history to have won all three ICC trophies, World Twenty20 (2007), World Cup (2017) and Championship Trophy (2013).
Here are some of the messages for Dhoni, on Twitter
Throw back when Dhoni didn't let Tiranga touch the earth.. 🇮🇳
— Pandey jee 🇮🇳 (@Im__AmBuJ) January 16, 2020
What a man"! 😭
You'll always be our captain. ❤#ThankYouDhoni #MSDhoni #captaincool #Thala #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/PeyADCNyzh
This remained as my wallpaper for a long time.That year i was supporting CSK and Chennai lifted the cup after 2 year ban.The only thing that gave me pleasure except this is the UCL win of Real Madrid.
— Badal (@dark_clouds44) January 16, 2020
I am not a fan but it's complicated #ThankYouDhoni pic.twitter.com/hzOJIp6GDg
End of the magnificent and unmatchable Saga 😪🙏❤️#ThankYouDhoni pic.twitter.com/0afr7LtBbT
— Guerrilla (@8106S) January 16, 2020
So his career ended the same way it started. Poetic.
— ` (@FourOverthrows) January 16, 2020
MS Dhoni (2004-2019)#ThankyouDhoni pic.twitter.com/jWzVojGW0V
HEART BREAKING NEWS 🥺💔:- MS dhoni out from bcci annual contract list#thankyoudhoni pic.twitter.com/4YWBFeUUfp
— Chintan Kalsariya 🇮🇳 (@iAmchintan69) January 16, 2020
Why trending #ThankYouDhoni He is not retiring this soon.He is not playing as of now BUT will soon be Back With A Bang.Dont Loose Hope People.He has to give lot of memories to us by playing multiple Brilliant knocks & his behind the stump commentary #MSDhoni My Forever Captain 💙 pic.twitter.com/5JJD3if5fL
— Mansi Shah (@mansishah1611) January 16, 2020
Last Updated Jan 16, 2020, 3:39 PM IST