MS Dhoni turns 36: Five lessons other cricket captains can learn from him

#1 Living in the present, and his simplicity

CRICKET-JAM-WIS-IND-ODI : News Photo — Dhoni is not one to take all the spotlight

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.