As IPL is set to begin in few days, Hotstar has streamed the first part of the five part docudrama Roar of the Lion, with MS Dhoni as the narrator. The 28 minute episode has Dhoni speaking on the emotional moments when CSK, the most popular team and three time champions was banned for two years.
The first episode has been titled What did we do wrong and begins with the spot fixing controversy of 2013, equating the same with the 2007 early exit from World Cup. With interviews by Michael Hussey, Ravindra Jadeja, N Srinivasan, Suresh Raina, Ayaz Memon, the shock over CSK given the ban is portrayed, and Dhoni insisting team to focus on cricket, despite himself being accused in several reports as well, is shown.
The focus then shifts to the chapter Before the storm which showcases the excitement and expectations over Dhoni and CSK. Dhoni says that everything achieved in his life is attributed to cricket and the biggest crime ha can do isn't murder but match fixing, and if people think that the match is fixed, they'll lose faith. He also says he won't be dealing anything in life tougher than match fixing allegations.
The second chapter Separation is an emotional account of the pain and feelings post the ban, and pondering over what the team and players did to deserve a ban for wrong doings of someone. Mathew Hayden says that the philosophy of Dhoni has always been to nurture talents, and another person who can come closest to him in this aspect may be Virat Kohli. Despite this being Dhoni's empire, everyone stuck to the accusation though he had not did anything, and the support of CSK fans in tough times was also remembered.
Born Again, the third chapter starts with the return of CSK post suspension with the retaining of Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja, and the immediate discussion with coach Stephen Fleming regarding auction, and the revelation that the players selected weren't part of their list of players desired. Dhoni speaks on being called Dad's team, with players above 30 years in the team predominantly, in a format meant for youngsters, and the episode ultimately ends with a glimpse of the second episode where Dhoni is seen addressing a gathering after CSK's return, where he breaks down.
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
— Hotstar Specials (@HotstarSpecials) March 20, 2019
Watch #RoarOfTheLion, now streaming on #HotstarSpecials. https://t.co/mKn2EydLNG pic.twitter.com/IvzhHRahxc