They showed a statistic in the previous over where they looked at Dhoni remaining not out in a chase. 49 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie (or something very similar to that). By any measure, those numbers are insane.

Yeah, but like I say, I’m not disagreeing with the basic point. Where it seems harsh is in making it sound as if chancing a second run on Guptill’s arm was inherently ridiculous – risky for sure, and probably forced, but he very nearly made it.

I didn’t get the proper real-time experience of this match, as I had to go out before it had finished – India were already up against it at that point, but the match was still in the balance. I then walked back in the door literally as the match was ending. So I had to rewind the broadcast a bit to see what had happened, and at six down with 35 needed off 17, that still “looked” highly possible – even perfectly set up for someone like Dhoni, in his prime. In the event it was clearly too much to manage against that attack. Mmm

Retiring, coming in to bat, pouncing on his prey…

What was MS Dhoni thinking, leaving all of the above so late?

Also true.

Agree. It’s almost as if he does this ‘taking it deep’ thing on purpose. Like his ambition is to hit the winning runs off the final ball.

He reminds me of a mate who used to play Doom on Ultra Violent with 1% health, and refused to pick up medikits.

50 off 72 balls versus Jadeja’s 77 off 59 balls and India were left needing 31 off the last two overs.

It’s not harsh.

Your basic point is sound enough – MSD left it very late and had to take risks he might have been able to avoid. But a bit harsh, nonetheless..? – he was only out by a couple of inches and it took a direct hit to do it; it’s not as if the run was never on to begin with. Still, you’re probably onto something – he does seem to take the coolness thing too far these days. Will be interesting to see how he gets remembered (… as the best-ever finisher, or as someone who left his retirement a little too late)