Coach Gary Kirsten (left) and wicket-keeper-batter MS Dhoni.©Twitter
Twitterati took a trip down memory lane when the picture of MS Dhoni’s reunion with Gujarat Titans coach and mentor Gary Kirsten was shared on social media by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2023 opener against Chennai Super Kings. Notably, Kirsten was India’s head coach in 2011 as the MS Dhoni-led team won the ODI World Cup – the country’s first since the title win in 1983. While Kirsten’s tenure in the role ended with India’s victory over Sri Lanka during the top clash of the event, Dhoni continued to lead the Indian side. Slowly and gradually, Dhoni began to step down from the role of captain of all formats before retiring from international cricket in 2020.
“The coach, the captain, the memories. A special welcome,” GT wrote while sharing the photo of the Dhoni-Kirsten duo on social media.
The coach, the captain, the memories
A special welcome #AavaDe | #GTvCSK pic.twitter.com/5rHXSp2Md3
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 30, 2023
“Ah nostalgia of 2011,” one fan wrote. “GOATED DUO,” wrote another.
“This duo made India proud”, “Very special”, “Legends of 2011…” were some of the other comments.
It is worth noting that Dhoni is the only captain to win all major ICC white-ball tournaments. He led India to 2007 title win to 2011 glory. In 2013 Dhoni led Indian team won the Champions Trophy. He had stopped his international career on August 15, 2020.
There is plenty of speculation that the upcoming IPL season could be Dhoni’s last as a player. The legendary skipper will aim to lead CSK to a record-tying fifth IPL title.
Dhoni had passed the baton from CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022. However, the team fell short of expectations and due to this, Jadeja left the role mid-season and Dhoni took over the duties again.
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