‘Whole of India doesn’t like me, I get plenty of hate mails’ – Martin Guptill on MS Dhoni’s run-out in World Cup 2019

MS Dhoni Runout. (Photo Source: Nathan Stirk, Clive Mason/Getty Images)

In the anxious July 10, 2019 face-off between India and New Zealand, Martin Guptill’s sensational run out of MS Dhoni marked the climax of the World Cup semifinal, concluding the illustrious career of the Indian cricket icon. While Guptill has since moved forward, vaguely recalling the moment, he still grapples with a barrage of disdainful messages from fervent Indian fans. Despite the passage of time, the memory lingers, drawing ire from passionate Indian cricket enthusiasts.

Guptill, renowned for his prowess in New Zealand’s white-ball cricket, has etched an indelible mark in India as the cricketer who dashed the hopes of a billion Indians with what he now attributes to mere chance. Speaking amidst the Dehradun leg of the ongoing 2023 Legends League Cricket, representing the Urbanisers Hyderabad squad, he disclosed his perception of the pivotal moment. Acknowledging the improbable precision of his throw with just one and a half stumps visible, he modestly labeled it a stroke of luck.

“It’s one of those things that happened so quickly in the moment. All I remember was I saw the ball go up and I then I thought, oh no, it’s coming sort of more towards me. So, I put the skates on to get on with that run. I knew there was no chance of a throw at the stumps, but I just tried to have a shot and only had one and a half stumps to aim at and I just got lucky. The stars aligned, and it was a perfect throw. In other words, the whole of India doesn’t like me. I get plenty of hate mails from there,” said Guptill as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Run-out that ceded India’s hopes to win World Cup

In the World Cup 2019 Semi-final, India faced setbacks losing Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya consecutively. Dhoni partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, sparking hope in India’s chase of 240 against New Zealand. Their cautious approach forged a resilient 116-run stand for the seventh wicket across 17.2 overs. However, Jadeja fell victim to Trent Boult’s deceptive slower delivery. With India’s tail exposed, ‘captain cool’ stood solitary in the tense battle.

Lockie Ferguson delivered a sharp bouncer to the seasoned Ranchi batter, whose response fell slightly delayed, edging the ball behind square. In a daring move, he risked a second run as no fielder guarded that spot. Guptill, positioned at fine leg, dashed in, swiftly retrieved the ball, and executed a precise strike at the stumps. Dhoni’s dive fell inches short of the crease as the ball dislodged the bails, sealing his dismissal and India’s hopes.