The roar turned to a crescendo as the man stepped out. The decibel level in the stadium touched a peak, even raising the potential of harming the hearing power of those in attendance! This was the scene at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow the other day, where the Lucknow Giants and Chennai Super Kings had their IPL match. And the reason for the ovation was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, perhaps Indian cricket’s most recognised iconic figure at the moment. The swath of yellow, the official colour of CSK in the stadium, representing the huge number of fans, a reflection of the support the team and in particular Dhoni commanded, had to be seen to be believed. All it must be said was because of this incredibly popular man, Dhoni. His cricketing prowess is now part of Indian cricketing lore to the extent that his presence alone triggers an electric effect amongst his followers. And the man has not disappointed. That he has remained unbeaten in the ongoing edition of the IPL added to his stature as a mind-blowing finisher in the sport.

M.S. Dhoni can be ‘Mayhem’ Singh Dhoni, as the digital board wittily displayed in Wankhede Stadium the other day, when the legendary wicketkeeper batter went berserk in the match against the Mumbai Indians with this last-minute explosive hitting. Three sixes and a brace featured his 4-ball stay at the crease, but enough to whet the appetite of the........

© Mathrubhumi English