Evolution of Indian Cricket under MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as MS Dhoni. He was the captain of the Indian cricket team from 2007 to 2016. Dhoni is the most successful captain of all time as he is the only captain who has won 50 over world cup, T20 World Cup and Champions trophy. He made his debut for India in 2004 against Bangladesh. Apart from the great tactician behind the wicket, he was one of the greatest finisher that the world has witnessed. Coming at no. 6 with an average of 50 in ODIs speaks volumes of his talent. This article entails how the impact of MS Dhoni changed Indian Cricket forever.

1. Exceptional Leadership: Dhoni was too calm and collective even during those intense moments of the game which earned him the title of captain cool. He had such a calm demeanour that took off the pressure among the players so they were able to play to their maximum potential. Dhoni was a fearless captain as he was never afraid to take a risk. For eg: in the t20 final when the final over was to be bowled, it was a choice between experienced Harbhajan Singh and youngster Joginder Sharma. He gambled on Joginder Sharma and the rest is history. His fearless approach sometimes even invited criticism but it often rewarded him mostly. This approach positively influenced the Indian Cricket and benefitted the players, coaches and the board as well.

2. Fitness and fielding: The athleticism of MS Dhoni is the one thing which wasn’t talked about much. Dhoni was very quick between the wickets and always gave preference to fitness. He stressed on fitness as he believed saving a single run could create a difference between winning and losing. He always wanted his men to be on their toes during fielding. In 2012 Dhoni even dropped the likes of Tendulkar, Sehwag and Gambhir during a one-day series in Australia quoting the 3 players were slow in the big grounds of Australia which can affect the outcome of the game. This was the level of commitment Dhoni had to win the games for India. During his era, the standards of fielding have improved drastically.

3. Promotion of young talent: The Present Indian team which looks so strong on the paper has some contribution from MS Dhoni also. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja made their debut under the captaincy of Dhoni. During their initial phase when they were struggling in International cricket, it was MS who gave them extended run and then they finally found their feet and carried the Indian team on their shoulders for such a long time. Dhoni was a risk taker whether its finishing the game in the last over, throwing the ball to a youngster in a world cup final or sticking with players who is constantly underperforming. Rohit Sharma’s initial batting position was no.5 where he constantly struggled and was on the verge of being axed but Dhoni made him climb up the order top open the innings in the 2013 Champions trophy. In the very first match, he scored a half-century and continued his good form throughout the entire tournament and it proved instrumental in Rohit’s career. There are many other instances where Dhoni has picked up great talents and gave them longer rope to showcase their talent.

4. Cultural impact: Coming from a small town in Jharkhand to walk away with 3 ICC trophies is the peak of success. Ms Dhoni’s journey inspired the young generation as it made them believe that people from humble backgrounds can also reach the top of the world. Before playing for India he got a job as a ticket collector in the railway but still didn't give up on his dream to play for India. Even Dhoni might not have thought in the wildest of dreams that he would be the most successful captain in the world. He became a role model for the aspiring cricketer and fans made him a demigod, especially in Tamil Nadu where he plays for CSK in IPL.

Well as a cricket fan, I can say that Dhoni was the best thing that happened to Indian Cricket. During his tenure, the Indian Cricket climbed to the top of the cricketing world. During his tenure, the Indian Cricket was at its peak as India won trophies and ranked on top in test cricket as well. Dhoni will be regarded as the most successful captain as well as a humble human being.

Many great cricketers would come and go but a cricketer like him won't be seen any time soon as he was not just a finisher but a great captain, wicketkeeper, and a great eye to find talent and nurture. Still not hanging up his boots, Dhoni will play IPL 2024 which is great for the game as youngsters can learn from him and fans can watch the helicopter sail over their head for one last time or maybe not, you never know.