TMS Dhoni umpire, celebrated for his composed demeanor and sharp cricketing intellect, has occasionally displayed moments of intense emotion, particularly when contesting umpiring decisions. These rare instances offer a deeper insight into his unwavering commitment to fairness and his team’s success. Let’s explore three notable occasions where Dhoni challenged umpiring calls, leaving an indelible mark on cricket history
1. 2012 CB Series: The Michael Hussey Stumping Incident
During the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia, India faced the hosts in a crucial ODI at Brisbane. In a pivotal moment, Suresh Raina’s delivery beat Michael Hussey, and Dhoni swiftly removed the bails, leading to an ‘out’ decision by third umpire Bruce Oxenford. However, on-field umpire Billy Bowden recalled Hussey, citing a technical error in the third umpire’s decision.
Dhoni, visibly frustrated, engaged in a heated discussion with the umpires, expressing his dissatisfaction with the reversal. Hussey capitalized on the reprieve, scoring 59 runs and contributing to Australia’s commanding total. India eventually lost the match by 110 runs.
2. IPL 2019: The No-Ball Controversy Against Rajasthan Royals
In a high-stakes match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals during the 2019 IPL season, tensions escalated in the final over. With CSK needing 8 runs off 3 balls, Ben Stokes delivered a full toss to Mitchell Santner. Umpire Ulhas Gandhe initially signaled a no-ball for height but quickly retracted his decision after consulting with leg umpire Bruce Oxenford.
Observing the confusion from the dugout, Dhoni stormed onto the field to confront the umpires, questioning the reversal of the no-ball call. This rare display of agitation from Dhoni surprised fans and commentators alike. Despite the controversy, CSK clinched victory with a last-ball six from Santner. Dhoni was later fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct.
3. IPL 2020: The Wide Ball Dispute Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a 2020 IPL encounter between CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the match reached a tense climax with SRH needing 25 runs off 11 balls. Shardul Thakur bowled a delivery wide outside off-stump, which Rashid Khan attempted to play. Umpire Paul Reiffel initially signaled a wide but retracted his decision after observing Dhoni’s reaction.
Dhoni’s visible displeasure influenced the umpire’s call, leading to criticism from the opposition and commentators. Despite the controversy, CSK secured a 20-run victory
Conclusion
While MS Dhoni umpire career is predominantly characterized by composure and strategic acumen, these instances highlight moments where his passion for the game led him to challenge umpiring decisions. Such episodes underscore the intense pressures of high-stakes cricket and the human element inherent in even the most seasoned professionals
