Mumbai: While June 23 can be any other day in the lives of many, for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it must be a special day as he celebrates first birthday of his Champions Trophy victory today.
On this day last year, Dhoni became the first captain to have successfully won all the three ICC events in the shorter formats of the game: ICC World T20 (in 2007), ICC World Cup (2011) and ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
Winning the Champions Trophy final to lift the trophy in a rain-affected final is a special feat in itself. But the backdrop at which it was achieved makes it even more special.
India went into the tournament following an IPL 6 that was severely damaged by match-fixing and spot-fixing allegations. With Chennai Super Kings Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan found guilty of wrongdoings and three of Rajasthan Royals’ players caught in spot-fixing, Indian cricket was under the rough weather and so was Dhoni.
Additionally, India’s failure in 2011 series in England meant that experts were reluctant to term India as the favourites to lift the tournament.
But the things looked different as India set foot in England. While Dhoni was questioned and cross-questioned in the press conference regarding the fixing scandal, Indian team looked ready for any challenger on the field. India outplayed Australia and Sri Lanka in the warm-up games.
India conceded 300 plus runs in the first game against South Africa in defence of 331. However, India managed to win that game by 26 runs. Then, they did well to beat West Indies and Pakistan to ease their way into the semi-final.
After winning 5 games in a row (including the 2 practice matches), India faced their perennial opponents Sri Lanka in the semi-final. While the conditions were damp and cloudy, it did not deter India from ending Sri Lanka’s journey in the Champions Trophy.
The final against England was close to a wash out. But as the rain calmed down, the match was reduced to 20-overs/side affair. India, batting first scored 129 thanks to Kohli’s 44 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 33 batting down-the-order. While the score was on a lower side, Dhoni-led India kept England in check with wickets at regular intervals.
But Bopara and Morgan joined hands to take England within the touching distance. England required 28 off last three overs to win the Champions Trophy. And a six and 2 wides from Ishant Sharma reduced that target even further.
Ishant Sharma, then struck twice within two balls to dismiss Morgan and Bopara and that swung the match in India’s favour. Ishant had gone for runs and Dhoni’s tactics to brought him to bowl the 18th over almost backfired. And had Ishant not got those two wickets, Dhoni’s common sense would have been scrutnised alongwith Ishant Sharma’s.
India eventually won the final to lift the Champions Trophy as Dhoni went onto attain a special feat as a captain in the shorter formats of the game. While Dhoni’s captaincy in Tests still remains a concern, his consistency to successfully lead India in the shorter formats of the game remains unparalleled.
As the luck would have it, Dhoni alongwith his Indian team is in England currently ahead of India's series against England. So, it would not be too surprising if they revisit those moments over a nice dinner.
