I can't stop raving about Dhoni in the new Pepsi ad.
With the handle bar moustache and buzz cut, as he gyrates to 'gatak gatak' (and looks Oh, so deadly handsome!), Raina, Harbhajan, and whoever else is there, become non entities. It is the ultimate 'yennada, rascala?' Chennai's Super King look and the eyes are only for D!
What were the others doing in the ad? It probably has to do with Pepsi's Men in Blue campaign. But this ain't the only one in which Dhoni has more than just him in the ad and where without him the frame is incomplete. It is not without reason. It is the Dhoni persona. He is part of the crowd, just as much as he is a legion by himself.
"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
If you can walk with Kings and not lose the common touch..."-Kipling
I pause to think. When did he become so statuesquely? When did he emerge to outshine greats like Sachin without ever trampling upon their space? Since when did he begin to command as much head and heart space as the the slots in advertisement campaigns?
A few years ago, a new wickie coming into the team. He went about keeping the wickets and scoring his runs while Gangulyji waged his wars and fashionistas talked more about his hairstyle than cricket commentators about his cricketing style! Remarkable was never the word with him.
Suddenly, he is 'Captain Cool', inventor of a new cricketing 'helicopter shot', top pick of advertising honchos, a dream boy for whom many women would bleed blue and India's new icon!
Dear D, what magic have you cast upon us that we beseech thee?
What is it about Dhoni?
His climb to fame and veneration did not come with 6 sixes in an over nor through prodigious ingenuity. He's gradually grown onto people's pyche and imagination, and now, rules it. His work is like that of a worker ant. Always at the job. Dilligent, industrious and utterly unruffled. His composure and calm are more baffling than the best six hit or the cleverest doosra bowled.The tensest moments lie in supplication before him and pressure finds release when he comes to crease. Remarkable truly finds utterance with him.
Enamoured I am to the point of adoration!
It is bewildering how he emerges victorious in every task he sets about. T20 champions, Test champions and most recently World Champions. And ever since IPL, CSK have been champions. Today they play to defend their cup, and I won't be surprised if tomorrows papers show D holding it. When Tom Moody was asked by a TV host if they ever toyed with any other name for Captaining in the Champions League selections, he quipped, "Dhoni is the best. Period."
We couldn't create a Superman or Spiderman. But we have Sachin and Rajni. Now there is Dhoni and Hollywood shall now have to create his counterpart. Tussaud's will soon seek his measurements and, Obama, his company at dinner.
And I am yet fathom, What is it about Dhoni?
no doubt he is the best captain(after ganguly) india has ever had....but you're enamoured by dhoni???!!!....YOU MUST BE KIDDDDDIIINNNGGG!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am, what to do ;-))
ReplyDeleteMahi... super cool (wall was just too cool)...the great finisher of the game...hitting mighty six to lift the world cup for the nation ( in the nation)...Sachin(the God) calls him greatest amoungs the the skippers he has played under...all B-schools and management gurus are searching under microscope ingredients of this success recipe.
ReplyDeleteWhat r these???
last over rush for chasing the target and winning the thriller...he has mastered that art of "winning the crowd" told to Maximus by Proximo in Gladiator...others are yet to learn that.
He had best "men in blue" in their best form. but now some are not in form.."form is temprory but class is permanent"
His cute face with latak-zatak-gatak ada made him highest endorsed sportsman crossing 1 bn.(after Sachin refused to endorse liquor brands as promised to his father)
He is most successful skipper in record books (though Nawab and dada taught us to win on foregin soil)
He has given great contribution in shorter (ODI) and shortest (T-20) form of the game (in test cricket(the real cricket)????...skip it yaar...who d hell is having time to watch it) specially in the shortest form.he has proved his mettle.just 20 balls to play...10 to collect left by the batsman and and remaining with the bat.but again amazing job with such spare opportunity..
He is leaving one form of the cricket(read test)to play next world cup.
He get applause from crowd for his power punches and helicopters.(but that lacks that 'aha' feel that we get with the flick of the wrist of yuvi)
I do remember historic knocks of Dravid and Laxman in the epic chase after follow on and that of Yuvi-kaif chase and also i do remember Mahis that superb inning...(i m scratching my head...really trying hard to remember...)
Sachin has achieved this godhood by practing on the nets while others were enjoying late night parties.His cute face that we saw in the debut match is weathered but people who even hate this game loves him...Its not about gutak gutak but his behavior on and off the field..his philanthropy..
Mahi...what is it????????the secret ingredient