These instances prove that Captain Cool wasn't always calm!
MS Dhoni's career is one that many can only dream of. Widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, his unflappable calmness is his most remarkable trait. No matter the situation, Dhoni's expression remains unreadable, earning him the well-deserved title of Captain Cool. His composed demeanour and exemplary conduct offer valuable life lessons to many. Despite his usual stoic presence on the cricket field, there have been rare moments when Captain Cool let his emotions show. In this article, we'll explore five instances where MS Dhoni lost his cool.
In the 2012 CB Series, a rare moment of frustration surfaced for MS Dhoni during a match against Australia. In the first innings, after Dhoni stumped Mike Hussey off Suresh Raina's bowling, umpire Billy Bowden called Hussey back due to a misunderstanding. This led to an argument between Dhoni and Bowden. The confusion was eventually cleared up, confirming Hussey was indeed out, but Dhoni was visibly displeased with the umpiring. Regarless of his reputation for calmness, this incident showed even Captain Cool could be unsettled by questionable decisions on the field.
In a rare display of frustration, MS Dhoni, known for his cool demeanour, was caught on camera admonishing Manish Pandey for poor running during the Centurion T20I against South Africa in 2018. The incident occurred when Pandey hit a shot to mid-wicket and ran for a single. Dhoni, known for his quick running between the wickets, expected a double and snapped at Pandey for his lack of attentiveness. He angrily yelled at Pandey to watch him while batting. This rare outburst was picked up by the stump mic and went viral on social media after the match, surprising many fans.
Footages of Dhoni loosing his cool
In the 2019 IPL, MS Dhoni's anger surfaced during a match against the Punjab Kings. Deepak Chahar bowled two consecutive no-balls in the 19th over, prompting Dhoni to react. Needing 39 runs off 12 balls, Punjab's Sarfaraz Khan hit a four off the first no-ball, and Chahar's second no-ball added further pressure. Dhoni, visibly upset, ran up to Chahar and gave him a stern talk. This seemed to refocus Chahar, who then bowled two yorkers and dismissed David Miller with the last ball of his spell.
During the 2019 India vs. Australia ODI series in Adelaide, a surprising incident occurred involving MS Dhoni and rookie pacer Khaleel Ahmed. Despite not being in the playing XI, Khaleel was on water duty. In the intense match, Khaleel accidentally stepped on the pitch, infuriating Dhoni. Mahi, concerned about the pitch's integrity, sternly reprimanded Khaleel for his immature mistake, fearing it could benefit the opposition. Dhoni's reaction, though harsh, was warranted given the potential advantage it could provide to Australia's pace bowlers.
In a tense encounter between CSK and RR at Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Stadium, MS Dhoni's composure was tested. With CSK faltering at 4 wickets down in pursuit of 153, Dhoni and Rayudu's 95-run partnership revived their hopes. In the final over, needing 18 runs, a contentious no-ball call by umpire Ulhas Gandhe sparked controversy. Dhoni, typically composed, breached the boundary line in protest. His rare display of anger resulted in a 50% match fee fine. Nevertheless, CSK clinched victory, courtesy of a decisive six by Mitchell Santner, snatching victory from the brink of defeat.
These few instances aren’t what the legendary captain should be judged on. These are occurrences that are anomalies in the spotless career.
