Ian Chappell: India performing so well because of MS Dhoni's captaincy

MS Dhoni’s captaincy at the 2015 World Cup has impressed many

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has credited Indian skipper MS Dhoni for uplifting a struggling team and transforming it into an extremely powerful unit with both bat and ball. The Men in Blue head into the quarterfinal against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, unbeaten, and have emerged as serious contenders to retain the title they won at home in 2011.

The 71-year-old said that the Indian players have faith in their captain to stand up and perform, especially when the side needs it the most. He believes that when a team has such an attitude towards their leader, then even the impossible becomes an achievable target.

"India look like a transformed team from the tri-series and it is all down to Dhoni. He has looked like a different person, a transformed person from the captain who led India in the tri-series and he has carried the team with him. Dhoni has done it to so many times now (leading successful chases) and India believe in him. When the team believes in the captain, miracles happen," Chappell told NDTV.

The former Australian right-hander added that the aggressive intent shown by Dhoni, during the middle overs has helped his side pick up wickets and that has meant that the opposition have always been under pressure. The Indian bowling unit have been a revelation in the tournament so far, having picked up 60 wickets in 6 matches.

"India continue to take wickets. Teams that are brave in the middle overs will be better placed going forward and India have done that. It has to be because of Dhoni's captaincy," he said.