Why Meeting with MS Dhoni Felt special in Delhi?
It wasnโt expected that MS Dhoni would train on Monday in Delhi. But sometimes, the universe conspires just enough to give you what you quietly wish for.
In a rare sight, Dhoni was walking alone toward the dressing room. I stood there, waiting and hoping for a brief moment of eye contact. It didnโt happen. And in a slightly desperate, rather awkward move, I called out to him from the boundary line โ I couldnโt go closer due to restrictions.
Dhoni heard the familiar voice, smiled broadly, and slowed his steps. He looked straight at me and gestured that I should come upstairs to meet him. Though I couldnโt hear him clearly, ESPNcricinfoโs fine reporter @sagarqinare enthusiastically urged me to head to the designated meeting area.
I went, but as expected, the security team didnโt allow me inside. So I waited.
When Dhoni came out again, ready to leave, someone told him I was still waiting. As he signed an autograph for a young kid, I called out again โ โMahi, main yahan hoon!โ He smiled again, walked toward me, and gave me one of the warmest hugs Iโve ever received.
We spoke for 6-7 minutes. Nothing about cricket. Just a simple, heartfelt exchange between two people catching up after a long time.
Before he left, I asked โ a bit greedily โ if we could meet again in a more relaxed setting. In true Dhoni fashion, he smiled and said, โWada nahi karoonga.โ
I told him, โIโll find a way,โ and he nodded, โYou always do.โ
It was a brief moment, but it stayed with me. Once again, MS Dhoni taught me something without trying to โ about presence, humility, and the beauty of simplicity.
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