The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a global cricketing extravaganza that attracts the world's top players and coaches. Among them is Justin Langer, former coach of the Lucknow Super Giants. Langer's experience in India has left him awestruck by the unparalleled hero worship surrounding MS Dhoni.
"It's extraordinary," Langer exclaimed on BBC Sport's cricket podcast. "I've heard about it, but when you witness it firsthand, it's unbelievable. In Lucknow, our stadium was packed with 50,000 fans, and 48,000 of them were wearing Dhoni's number seven jersey."
Langer's observations extend beyond Dhoni's popularity. He notes that the hero worship in India is a double-edged sword. "I saw the flip side with Rohit Sharma," he said. "He's a huge hero, but when he stepped down as Mumbai Indians captain, he was booed every game. It's sad to see, but it's a reflection of the intense passion and expectations of Indian cricket fans."
Despite the occasional negativity, Langer remains impressed by Dhoni's humility and leadership style. "When he walks onto the ground, he's so calm and composed," Langer said. "It's a quality that's becoming more prevalent in captains around the world."
Langer's insights offer a glimpse into the unique cricketing culture of India. The hero worship of players like Dhoni is a testament to the sport's deep-rooted significance in the country. However, it also highlights the challenges that come with such intense scrutiny and the need for players to maintain their composure amidst the whirlwind of adulation and criticism.
Tags: #IPL, #MSDhoni, #JustinLanger, #CricketCulture, #HeroWorship
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