Former Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni recently shared insights into the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand. Reflecting on the defeat in Manchester, Dhoni acknowledged the difficulty of controlling emotions after such close matches.
The Virat Kohli-led Team India was considered as one of the strongest sides in the 2019 World Cup. It faced a setback in the semi-finals against New Zealand, losing by 18 runs while chasing a target of 240. Despite a resilient recovery from a disastrous start, with a 116-run partnership between Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, Dhoni’s run-out marked a turning point leading to India’s defeat.
In a candid revelation during an event in Bengaluru, Dhoni disclosed the emotional toll of the loss.
“It’s tough to handle emotions after close losses. I prepare plans for every game, and for me, that was my final match for India. Although I announced my retirement a year later, that day was the end of my playing career,” he said.
Dhoni also shed light on the behind-the-scenes moments, recalling a conversation with the trainer about gadgets.
“We received some gadgets from the trainer. Each time I returned them, he insisted me to keep it. I pondered how to convey that they weren’t necessary anymore. I wasn’t ready to make the announcement at that time,” he added.
The 2019 World Cup semi-final ultimately marked Dhoni’s last match for India. He officially announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Reflecting on the challenging phase of retirement, Dhoni acknowledged the emotional struggle of athletes who have dedicated their lives to the sport.
“Feeling emotions and having dedicated the past 12-15 years exclusively to playing cricket, athletes face a distinctive challenge when they realize there are no more opportunities to represent their country. After quitting cricket, there’s no chance to bring back that glory by representing your country again. It’s an emotional moment for sure,” he concluded.
Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni continued his cricket journey by captaining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his leadership, CSK secured title triumphs in 2021 and 2023, further solidifying Dhoni’s legacy in the cricketing world.