Having won all three major ICC titles as captain, legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the most successful white-ball captains in the history of the game. Dhoni was born in Ranchi. But before taking over as captain in 2007, the wicket-keeper batsman was not India’s first-choice captain. Dhoni’s captaincy has become yet again trending due to the recent change.
Remarkable Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar recently disclosed that the BCCI had extended a captaincy offer to him in 2007, but the batting virtuoso turned it down due to his deteriorating physical condition. Tendulkar went on to say that he instead suggested Dhoni’s name for the position after seeing his composed manner and capacity for sound judgment.
Tendulkar stated on Jio Cinema, “In 2007 I was offered captaincy by the BCCI, but I was in really bad physical form. I have excellent observations of MS Dhoni. He has a really steady head, is composed, intuitive, and makes wise choices. I suggested he take over as captain.”
Dhoni’s captaincy update:
Notably, Dhoni’s appointment signalled the start of a golden age in Indian cricket history when he guided a youthful team to a historic victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The team achieved a historic Commonwealth Bank Series triumph in Australia in 2008 thanks to the persistent efforts of “Captain Cool,” who added more feathers to his cap with each passing year.
India also made history under Dhoni’s direction, rising to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time ever. After a fifteen-year break, the Men in Blue triumphed in the Asia Cup in 2010 under his direction. But in 2011, when they finally ended their 28-year wait for an ODI World Cup trophy on home soil, India’s most memorable victory under Dhoni’s captaincy came from behind with his unbeaten performance of 91* (79) in the championship match.
In 2013, the redesigned Indian team won their second ICC Champions Trophy in England thanks to the inspiration of the “man with the Midas touch.” Dhoni retired from Test cricket in December 2014 and eventually gave up his captaincy in ODIs and T20Is in January 2017, capping a glorious seven years as captain.
The 42-year-old has led his team to 110 victories from 200 50-over matches and 41 victories from 72 T20I games, making him the third most successful captain in both ODI and T20I history.
So, this was all about Dhoni’s captaincy. Also read, After IPL 2024 opener, Dinesh Karthik drops retirement hint
