Former Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been one of the greatest names to have played for the country. Apart from being an excellent wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest
captains of the senior Indian men’s team. Having made his international debut in December 2024 in an ODI against Bangladesh, Dhoni shouldered the responsibility of Indian captaincy from 2007 to 2017. However, his captaincy was not less than accident, a pleasant accident that went on to change the entire trajectory of Indian cricket.
Three years after his debut, Dhoni was bestowed with the responsibility of leading a young team sans seniors like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly, in the inaugural season of the T20 World Cup in 2007. The Ranchi-born had already become a household name by then, but that tournament proved his mettle as a leader. Dhoni announced himself, and everyone knew by then that he was there to stay. Later, he went on to deck India’s trophy cabinet with all three major ICC trophies.
Happy birthday @msdhoni!
Re-live his winning six that clinched India the @cricketworldcup title in 2011! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ApdkX8W5dh
— ICC (@ICC) July 7, 2018
Dilip Vengasarkar Reveals how MS Dhoni Ended Up as India Captain
India’s 1983 World Cup winning Cricketer and Former Chief Selector revealed how Dhoni became the new name set to lead Men in Blue. Notably, Rahul Dravid stepped down from captaincy during MS Dhoni’s winning campaign in 2007 in South Africa. Vengasarkar, who was the chief selector at that time, revealed Dhoni’s approach as well as communication skills with other players worked in his favor to earn him the position.
“Apart from being an automatic choice in the team, you look at the player’s cricketing acumen, body language, ability to lead from the front and man management skills. We saw Dhoni’s approach to the game, body language, how he spoke to others; we got positive feedback,” Venasakar told Hindustan Times. It is to be known that BCCI requested Sachin Tendulkar to take up the position following Dravid but he turned it down suggesting Dhoni’s name.
A recommendation from his senior, along with good feedback, body language and other skills helped him, and he took over the reins for India in all formats by late 2008 when he was appointed the Test captain.
