MS Dhoni, the former Indian skipper is regarded as one of the most successful skippers in the history of the Indian cricket team. He took the Indian cricket team to new heights and achieved many milestones. He has done a lot for team India and his contribution can never be expressed into words.
However, unlike many, Dhoni is also regarded as one of the most selfless cricketers in the world. He puts his team, his country first before his self-records and this is what makes him stand apart from the audience.
Here, we bring you a list of 8 reasons why MS Dhoni is regarded as the most selfless cricketer ever. Have a look:
8. When MS Dhoni handed the captaincy to Sourav Ganguly:
This is one of the most loved moments of Indian cricket history involving two of the most successful skippers of India – MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. This happened during the 4th Test match against Australia in the year 2008, which was also the last test match of Sourav Ganguly’s test career.
MS Dhoni was the skipper of team India at that time and India had nearly won the game as only 1 wicket was remaining. But at that time, MS Dhoni convinced Sourav Ganguly for one last time, making his retirement even more special.
7. When MS Dhoni called Virat Kohli to collect the Celkon Cup 2013:
MS Dhoni was the skipper of team India during the Celkon Cup series in 2013, however, Virat Kohli led the side during the mid of the Celkon Cup 2013 after MS Dhoni got injured. However, MS Dhoni returned back to the game after he got fit before the final game. Later after team India won the tournament, MS Dhoni asked Virat Kohli to join him as he also led the side in a few games.
6. When MS Dhoni gave the chance to Virat Kohli to smash the winning run:
MS Dhoni, who is regarded as the best finisher in the cricket world gave Virat Kohli the opportunity to Virat Kohli to finish the game. This happened during the World Cup semi-final against South Africa during the 2014 World Cup, where the Indian cricket team only needed six runs in 9 balls with Virat and Dhoni on-field. Virat Kohli smashed a stunning four on the 4th ball of the 19th over and a single on the next ball, which brought Dhoni on strike. But MS Dhoni defended the ball and gave the opportunity to MS Dhoni to smash the winning run, winning the hearts of one and all with his gesture.
5. MS Dhoni’s gesture after winning every series:
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, team India reached new heights and lifted many trophies. However, every time team India won the match under the leadership of MS Dhoni, he had handed over the cup to the youngsters of his team and has always stood at the corner in the winning photo.
4. Giving the Champions Trophy to Sir Ravindra Jadeja:
Team India shook the whole cricketing world during the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2013, where team India defeated England’s cricket team by 5 runs. During that tournament, Ravindra Jadeja had impressed one and all with his brilliant performance as he had bagged 12 wickets from 5 matches. Later, when MS Dhoni received the trophy, he handed over it to Sir Ravindra Jadeja immediately.
3. When Dhoni trained the Indian pacers:
Before the world cup, when all the cricketers moved to their homes, MS Dhoni decided to stay back and train the injured and less experienced bowling squad. He trained bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Ishant Sharma, which later on benefitted team India the most. During that period he chose the country before family.
2. When he thought of building a new ‘team India’:
Following the World Cup 2011 win, MS Dhoni became a sensation in India and around the world for his winning six. However, he knew that he won’t be able to survive long with the same old team.Therefore, he decided to rebuild the team and took a bold decision by including youngsters and removing some of the legendary cricketers from the team. Though he received a lot of backlash but this was the new beginning for the modern team India.
1. A silent Test retirement:
MS Dhoni left the whole nation in shock when he suddenly announced that he has decided to hang his boots from the longest format of the game. But his retirement without a farewell left a void in every cricketer’s hearts.
