Ferguson Recalls Shock at Dhoni's Uncharacteristic Leave During Crucial 2019 World Cup Over

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has recalled one of the defining moments of the 2019 World Cup semi-final against India-the sight of MS Dhoni leaving a delivery in the middle of a tense run chase. With the pressure high at Old Trafford and India chasing 240, Dhoni's decision to shoulder arms surprised even Ferguson.

India's chase had already gone wrong after Trent Boult and Matt Henry reduced them to 5-2 and later 24-4. A fighting 77 from Ravindra Jadeja, alongside Dhoni, brought some hope, but the task was still tough. At one stage, India needed 52 from 31 balls when Dhoni let the delivery go, leaving fans-and Ferguson-stunned. Looking back, Ferguson admitted he never expected the veteran to leave the ball at such a moment.

"I can't remember what they were needing to chase at the time, but I knew they had to score a few runs. The plan was to bowl and see if MS would undercut it, and he left it. So I was surprised because naturally, when you're bowling, you're trying to restrict runs, then it's nice when a batter leaves it," Ferguson told CrickTracker.

The contest only got tighter. With 31 required off 12 balls, Dhoni produced a trademark upper cut over deep backward point, sending Ferguson's delivery for six and shifting the pressure back onto the bowler. Ferguson revealed that he stuck to the same plan on the next ball, but this time Dhoni executed it perfectly again.

"I think the next over, the first ball, I tried again, and he just got it over the boundary for six. So the plan almost worked the second time as well. But it was nice to get him out that game and, of course, get across the line in the semi-final," he added.

The chase, however, unravelled quickly. Jadeja's dismissal on the penultimate ball of the 48th over left India needing 31 off 12 balls. Dhoni shouldered the burden of carrying India through, but his run-out on the third ball of the 49th over effectively sealed India's fate. Coming back for a second run towards fine leg, he was undone by Martin Guptill's sharp direct hit, falling just inches short of his crease. It was a heartbreaking moment for Indian fans, and, as it turned out, Dhoni's final outing in Indian colours. New Zealand went on to win the match by 18 runs and booked their place in the final against England.

A year later, Dhoni confirmed his international retirement on 15 August 2020, bringing the curtain down on a storied career. Yet he continues to inspire in the Indian Premier League, guiding Chennai Super Kings to five titles, including their triumphs in 2021 and 2023.