(This article is authored by Annamalai, a freelance content writer)
'That was unexpected' - This holds true for Dhoni both in professional and personal life. He has been the reason for many dismissals of the opponent players, a lot of victories for the Indian team, and the ecstasy of every Indian cricket fan. Dhoni is truly an emotion. A cricket player is celebrated for his achievements in the sport. Dhoni is being considered a role model by millions due to his off-screen persona. Why? What do you learn from Dhoni?
Whenever Dhoni wants to step out of anything, he makes it simple. No press conferences, no prior announcements, no updates, no suspense building. He does it just like that through a social media post or casual conversation. "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired" was all that the legend had to say on Instagram about the end of his exceptional career in International cricket. Isn't that enough? Can't life be more peaceful with simplicity? We all are trying to showcase everything big and eventually complicate things. "Happiness lies in being simple" is what Dhoni conveys.
The Bharatiya Janata Party wanted Dhoni to contest in the 2019 Jharkhand assembly election as their CM candidate. The top functionaries of the party informed the media that Dhoni would join them anytime soon. But Dhoni refused. In reply, Dhoni's name was removed from the annual contract list of players this year. It is said that Jay Shah, the son of Home Minister Amit Shah and secretary of BCCI, played a role in sidelining Dhoni from the team for the past one year. The continuous omissions and insults by the BCCI have led him to announce his retirement much earlier than expected. Did he talk about this in public? Did he ever complain? The most important quality to learn from Dhoni. Life will be heaven if we don't complain.
Everyone is talking about a grand farewell for Dhoni. All the legends of the game deserve a memorable exit. Players like Sachin Tendulkar had that 'farewell' game and a speech that made the fans emotional. Dhoni fans also dreamt of such a royal send-off to their hero and what came in with his sudden retirement announcement was nothing but shock.
It is completely normal to expect great things to happen to your idol. But Dhoni is a different person altogether. He never expects anything that puts him above the game and the country. It is one of the many reasons why Dhoni makes his announcements suddenly without providing any room for celebration or farewell formalities. Be free from expectations and you will enjoy real freedom.
A man from a very humble background has defeated all the odds against him, succeeded big in his career and has become a symbol of the right behavior. Once we start following him closely, we would understand that every movement of Dhoni offers something to learn. His character shines because he never does anything deliberately. Being ourselves is the best thing we can do for us.
Thank you, Mahi!
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