For over a decade now, he has been a repository of a billion people's hopes. He has become a habit which does not seem to die. He is en emotion Indians are always high on. He is MS Dhoni, the only among 462 captains in the history of ODI cricket to have won all three ICC silverwares, and all of that with a plastered smile and quintessential composure.
As the demigod turns 36 today, let’s look back at the captain Dhoni was, and what the other cricket captains of the world can learn from him.
#1 The importance of taking risks
What’s cricket without a little bit of gambling? The unpredictable sport can spring a surprise or two with a little bit of risk taking here and there. And that is what Dhoni the captain excelled at.
“In the air… and Sreesanth takes it! India wins!” these were Ravi Shastri’s worlds after India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. These words will always be etched in the memory of Dhoni fans for the gamble he took, and the dividends it yielded.
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Joginder Sharma, a relatively unknown man back then, was trusted to bowl the final over of the nail biting game. And he repaid Dhoni’s trust by removing Misbah-Ul-Haq in the third ball of the over to seal the deal for India.
While Sharma became an overnight hero, Dhoni became a demigod for the country. He always called a spade, and never hesitated to prove his point.
#2 The importance of composure
Composure is a key leadership quality. Dhoni’s composure has always been reflected in his body language. He exhibits resonance like no other, the smile never ceases and eyebrows never furrow. Seldom has he got involved in any heated exchange, something that has become increasingly common in modern cricket. He is not called ‘captain cool’ for nothing.
“I would like to learn more of the composure from Dhoni. Also his ability to not panic in pressure situations is something I would like to take from him. The World T20 win in 2007 was the launch of Dhoni as a leader,” Virat Kohli was once quoted saying.
He can stay calm in the heat and dust of battles, a trait that has brought him this far in his career.
#3 Handling the press
A skipper’s job is not restricted only to the 22 yards. He has to speak for his troops, preside over media conferences, handle the sometimes vexing reporters. Dhoni the captain nailed all of that with a smile. He answered (and answers) the paparazzi in his idiosyncratic cool demeanour without any agitation or blunt reply. On several occasions, he cleaned bowled reporters with his witty responses.
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When he was once asked to talk about his transition from a veteran side to a young side, Dhoni said, “From Kishore Kumar, we have gone to Sean Paul”
When India were whitewashed by Australia and England a couple of years ago in Test cricket, the skipper was asked which defeat felt worse. Dhoni’s witty response was, “You die, you die. You don’t see which is the better way to die.”
#4 Backing the youngsters
A standout quality in Dhoni the captain was his faith in youngsters, something that transformed Indian cricket over the years. His biggies and finishes aside, MSD needs to be thanked the most for the revolution he brought to the team.
He stuck to the unpopular calls he made without any fear. He ensured that the young guns proved their mettle amidst the emotional attachment towards the seniors. From Rohit Sharma to Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina to Ravichandran Ashwin and even Virat Kohli, Dhoni played his part in the evolvement of all of these players.
He dropped experienced players to back the youngsters, something that became controversial but over the years, paid rich dividends.
#1 Living in the present, and his simplicity
Rahul Dravid once said, “He has a unique ability to ignore consequences and soak up pressure. This makes it easier for everyone else. He is calm and measured. Win, lose, he can walk away.”
Dhoni has always been able to insulate himself from environmental distractions to focus only on the present. During the Champions Trophy 2013, Dhoni’s IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings was engulfed by controversies. However, Dhoni’s ability to segregate off-field matters from on-field ones, and cut through the negative energy made him one of the finest leaders in world cricket.
Besides, how often have we seen Dhoni standing in the front of a team victory photo? Very seldom. And that speaks volumes about his humility and simplicity. He has often stayed away from limelight and let the youngsters grab all of it.
Even his retirement plans have always been a surprise. No prior announcements, no grand farewells. From traveling to Kolkata by train with his Jharkhand teammates, to getting his hair cut done by a local barber, Dhoni, despite achieving unparalleled feats, has maintained his humility, and perhaps not forgotten his roots. And that makes him very special. The number of trophies you win or the runs you score wins you records. But the humility with which you do all of that wins you hearts.
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