An open letter to MS Dhoni

Dear Mahendra Singh Dhoni,

Honorable Captain of Team India,

I know you are troubled by the difficult situation your team is in and the growing criticisms in the media, but I would be obliged if you find some time to read this letter from a die-hard cricket fan and a huge supporter of Team India.

My knowledge of cricket is meager and perhaps unsatisfactory, compared to professional critics, but this is not one of those letters where you will find suggestions and advice showering on you. I will feel gratified if you convey my humble messages to your team-mates.

SACHIN TENDULKAR: You’ve been my idol for the last 20 years. My good wishes are there with you for your upcoming ton. Another request: please see to it that your ton comes in a winning cause.

RAHUL DRAVID: We all know that it is normal for walls to develop cracks, but they are always repaired in due time. Good luck for the repair work.

VVS LAXMAN: I humbly remind you that we are playing against Australia. Yes, Australia. A special team (and a special time) to display your very special talent!

VIRENDER SEHWAG: I miss your flamboyance and those triple hundreds. Could you please, do a 319 once again?

GAUTAM GAMBHIR: After Dada (Sourav Ganguly) left, you became the sole left-hander in the team. I am a lefty myself and so I developed a soft corner for you. I am dying to see your cover-drives and inside-out shots.

VIRAT KOHLI: I am extremely disappointed to tell you that you have disgraced our nation and your actions aren’t justified enough. Now, will you oblige us by bringing some grace with the bat?

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN: Ever since your debut, I knew you would become an asset to the team. You’ve shown your capabilities with the bat and I’ll be delighted if you do the same with the ball.

ZAHEER KHAN: You are the Leander Paes of our bowling attack. Please teach those young guys some reverse swing. Please sir!

ISHANT SHARMA: I dearly miss those ‘hunter-and-the-hunted’ scenes during your debut tour Down Under. Ricky Ponting has moved on since then. Can you bring back his nightmares?

UMESH YADAV: You’ve ensured that the Agneepath Series doesn’t lack pace. Thank you for that and all the best for your career!

I end this letter with the belief that you have conveyed my regards to all the players.

Thank you.

With best wishes,

A die-hard fan.