“It Was Heartbreaking”: MS Dhoni Reflects on 2019 World Cup Semi-Final Loss Against New Zealand

Former India captain MS Dhoni has described the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand as “heartbreaking.” Speaking at a recent event, Dhoni recounted the pain of that defeat, noting how difficult it was to move past the loss in the semis. India had been the standout team of the 2019 World Cup and…


Former India captain MS Dhoni has described the 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand as “heartbreaking.”

Speaking at a recent event, Dhoni recounted the pain of that defeat, noting how difficult it was to move past the loss in the semis.

India had been the standout team of the 2019 World Cup and entered the semi-final as favorites against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. Chasing a modest target of 240 to reach the finals, India’s top order crumbled, putting immense pressure on the middle and lower order to salvage the game.

Despite early setbacks from the loss of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, the partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni kept India’s hopes alive. Jadeja’s explosive 77 off 59 balls and Dhoni’s steady 50 provided a glimmer of hope. However, just as India seemed to be gaining momentum, Dhoni’s run-out shifted the match decisively in New Zealand’s favor.

MS Dhoni on 2019 Semi-Final Loss: “It Was Heartbreaking”

It was a difficult one because I knew this would be my last World Cup, so it would have been great to be on the winning side. It was a heartbreak moment, but we accepted the result and tried to move on,

Dhoni shared at the event.

He acknowledged that coping with such a significant loss takes time, especially since it turned out to be his final game for India.

Time thoda lagta hai aur World Cup ke baad thoda time mil bhi jata hai. Maine toh uske baad international khela nahi hai toh mujhe toh kaafi time mila-hai. (It takes time and one gets some time after the World Cup. I haven’t played international cricket since then, so I had plenty of time). So, yes, it was heartbreaking.

On August 15, 2020, MS Dhoni shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to his illustrious 15-year career.