Indian cricket fans are ranged firmly into one out of two camps: in one camp are those who think that Mahendra Singh Dhoni must retire. The other camp consists of those who want Dhoni to stay on; who believe he is valuable for much more than just the runs he scores. Whichever camp one belongs to, the possibility of MSD’s farewell to cricket always triggers strong reactions.
Virat Kohli had just made waves when he posted a holiday picture of himself and his wife Anushka. Then he went and tweeted this, which sounded suspiciously like a tribute of some sort. People were alarmed (or pleased, depending upon which camp they belonged to) and this started off a news-cycle all its own.
The speculation started as soon as the tweet appeared. What? Why now? What does it mean?
Commentators pointed out that it was neither a birthday, nor an anniversary nor any other significant moment. So, why now? Perhaps Kohli misses Dhoni, like so many do, felt this Twitter user.
Dhoni fans felt a terrible portent of something bad about to happen.
Please don’t leave us, was the tenor of the diehard Dhoni fans.
This commentator said that the picture posted was from this historic moment. Maybe this was just Kohli reminiscing about some happy times?
Don’t beat around the bush. If Dhoni is going to retire, just say it like it is, said this commentator.
While some begged Dhoni not to retire, others wished him all the best for this ‘next’ innings. Yet others staunchly refused to accept that Dhoni was retiring or that Kohli would let him do so.
This just means that MSD will next be seen in ODIs, that's all feels this commentator.
MSD’s wife, Sakshi Singh issued this clarification – retirement rumours are just that – rumours!
Chief selector MSK Prasad seemed to put all the speculation about Dhoni's possible retirement to rest. He wanted to know how these rumours started; said he didn’t think they were true. I suppose the chief selector would know what he is talking about – so MSD fans can heave a sigh of relief, and those who want him to retire will just have to wait a while longer.
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