Sourav Ganguly Reflects on MS Dhoni’s Career and 2019 World Cup Heartbreak
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The Evolution of a Legend
MS Dhoni has remained the focal point of discussions in the cricket world, even as the 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter navigates a challenging season during the IPL 2026 campaign. Despite being a cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, Dhoni has been sidelined due to a persistent calf injury, an issue that has kept him out of action for much of the tournament. While his presence in the dugout continues to provide an aura of leadership for the five-time champions, his absence from the field has been keenly felt as the team works under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ganguly’s Perspective on Dhoni’s Playing Style
In a recent candid conversation, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly provided a retrospective look at MS Dhoni’s career. Ganguly, who presided over the early years of Dhoni’s rise to international prominence, highlighted the stark contrast between the two distinct phases of the Ranchi-born cricketer’s journey. When Dhoni burst onto the scene in 2004, he was renowned for his brute force and natural ability to clear the boundaries with ease.
Under Ganguly’s leadership, Dhoni produced some of his most iconic innings, including the blistering 148 against Pakistan and the legendary 183 not out against Sri Lanka. Reflecting on this era, Ganguly noted, “I have rarely seen a player who hits a six like MS Dhoni. When he came into the Indian team when I was the captain, he used to hit a lot of sixes. After that, I didn’t like MS Dhoni from phase 2. I liked MS Dhoni from phase 1.”
Ganguly elaborated that while he holds immense respect for what Dhoni achieved as a leader, he found the latter part of Dhoni’s career—characterized by a more conservative, strike-rotating approach—to be less compelling than the fearless, aggressive style that defined his early years.
The 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Defining Moment
The discussion also touched upon the 2019 ICC World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, a match that proved to be a turning point for Indian cricket. During the high-stakes encounter, India’s top order crumbled, leaving the team in a precarious position. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja staged a valiant recovery, with Jadeja adopting an aggressive stance to keep the team in the hunt.
Following Jadeja’s dismissal, the responsibility fell squarely on Dhoni to anchor the chase and lead India to victory. However, the legendary finisher, known for taking games deep, was unable to deliver the match-winning heroics on this occasion. It has since been revealed that this specific defeat hit Dhoni deeply, serving as a primary catalyst for his decision to eventually step away from international cricket.
Looking Ahead: The Final Chapter?
Dhoni officially retired from international duty in 2020 but has continued to participate in the IPL. Even after his retirement from the national squad, he has managed to secure two additional IPL trophies for the Chennai Super Kings. With rumors swirling that the 2026 season could potentially be his final appearance in the tournament, fans continue to wait and see if the veteran will recover from his injury to grace the field one last time before the season concludes.
Whether or not he returns for the remaining league matches, Dhoni’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest finishers remains secure. Ganguly’s critique serves as a reminder of the different roles and responsibilities a cricketer must assume over a long career, balancing the raw aggression of youth with the tactical maturity required at the highest level of the game.
