Best Quotes on MS Dhoni - The Leader, The Keeper, The Finisher

From a young colt with long hair who was famed for his destructive stroke-play, to a formidable leader who transitioned Team India, ushering in a sense of tranquility; the journey of MS Dhoni has been one to cherish for the ages.

Bursting into the international arena on the back of his consistent outings in the domestic circuit, MS was given the responsibility to pitch India on the world map of cricket once again. He vindicated the faith shown in him by winning the World T20 within a span of 10 days after assuming the role.

MS did the unthinkable on numerous other occasions in his career, as he re-engineered the work ethics and groomed some bright prospects for the side. He became the only captain to win all the 3 ICC titles, and led the team to the top of the ICC Test Rankings for the first time.

A multidimensional player, Captain Cool has the ability to change the course of the match even with a stumping or a run-out. He is an unparalleled reader of the situation, and can effectively channelize his resources. Dhoni continues to be an indispensable asset for the team even after passing on the apex duties to Virat Kohli.

Dhoni has been hailed time and again by the sporting fraternity for the contribution to the sport and his nation. We have a look at the most iconic quotes on Captain Cool by his team mates, seniors, coaches and opponents.

#15 Steve Waugh

"If I am supposed to select a team, Sachin will be the opener and Dhoni will be the captain."

Steve Waugh was a tactical genius and disciplinarian of his era. These words coming from him speak volumes about Dhoni's leadership.

#14 Ricky Ponting

"MS Dhoni has done a pretty good job for the team, Leading a team to such a triumph just after taking over as captain is a great achievement."

Ricky Ponting was the biggest contemporary of MS Dhoni in the leadership capacity. Even after going down to India in the semi-finals, Ponting held high regard for Dhoni for his leadership in the inaugural World T20 in 2007.

#13 Shoaib Akhtar

"He is a very smart man and intelligent captain and manages his resources perfectly. India is blessed to have someone as level-headed as him at the helm."

MS Dhoni has always been loved by Pakistani fans and cricketers for his unparalleled excellence at the game. Shoaib Akhtar's quote is a testimony of it.

#12 Adam Gilchrist

"The best compliment for me is when someone says they'll pay to watch me play, And I can say that I'll pay to watch MS Dhoni bat. MS is not the next Gilchrist. He's the first MS Dhoni."

Dhoni, as a destructive wicket-keeper batsman drew comparisons with Adam Gilchrist in the early phase of his career. However, Gilly insisted that MS was one of his kind.

#11 Ian Bishop

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"If 15 runs are needed off the last 6 balls, pressure is on the bowler and not on MS Dhoni."

MS Dhoni has been labelled as the greatest finisher of the game, and has held his nerve to take his team across the line on numerous occasions. Bishop's words highlight his excellence as a finisher.

#10 Rahul Dravid

"No need to go to third umpire if Dhoni is celebrating, the batsman has to be on his way."

Dhoni is widely acclaimed for his lightning fast glove work and precise observation. His stumping was once hailed by Rahul Dravid from the commentary box.

#9 Gary Kirsten

"I would go to war with Dhoni by my side."

It was the duo of Kirsten-Dhoni that won India the World Cup. Kirsten holds MSD in great esteem, which is highlighted by his words.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

"Mahendra Singh Dhoni a legend, I am ready to die for him."

Dhoni is known to support his players through their thick and thin. Ashwin responded in a similar fashion, when interrogated about the series loss against Bangladesh in 2015.

#7 Rohit Sharma

“I believe the decision to open in ODIs changed my career and it was a decision taken by MS Dhoni. “With no disrespect to other great Indian captains, I was blessed to play under MS all these years."

This move of MS Dhoni came as a master stroke for a reeling Rohit Sharma and augured well for Indian cricket. Rohit has gone on to become one of the greatest openers, with 3 double tons to his name.

#6 Wasim Akram

"Dhoni is the only one in this world who can smash yorkers for sixes"

The yorker is said to be the best weapon in the arsenal of a bowler to take wickets and restrict runs. MS, with his famous helicopter shot, enjoys a high strike rate against the yorkers. This is something with which even Akram acknowledges.

#5 Kapil Dev

"Dhoni is my hero. We talk a lot about Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, but this boy has as much as talent as anyone in the game."

The skipper who led India to their first World Cup glory, Kapil Dev, believes that due regard must be given to Dhoni for his talent and skill set.

#4 Ravi Shastri

"When you compare the icons of the game, you have Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni in the same bracket."

The current Indian coach hails Dhoni as a modern day legend, instilling him at par with Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Tendulkar.

#3 Sourav Ganguly

"Dhoni is the greatest captain of our country. His record is a proof of that."

Sourav Ganguly ushered in a revolution in Indian cricket, instilling the spirit to play a fearless brand of cricket. A courageous leader himself, he believes MSD to be the best.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar

"He is the best captain I have played under. He is very sharp and always alert. He reads the situation well and is open to sharing ideas. He always has discussions with bowlers, batsmen and senior players separately."

Sachin Tendulkar was the pillar of the Indian team for more than two decades, having witnessed many leaders and their styles. Out of them, he votes MS as the best, which is quite a statement.