How and why was MS Dhoni appointed the captain of India in 2007?
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recalled how MS Dhoni was touted as the next Indian captain in 2007
The rich history of Indian cricket has seen many notable players who have had the opportunity to lead the team. But in the current era, one person who is regarded as the greatest of all time is MS Dhoni. Not just because he won three ICC trophies for the team, but fans also respect him for his personality and the knowledge with which he plays the game. Even the former Team India captain is a huge fan of Dhoni when it comes to leadership and instilling confidence in his teammates.
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One of them is Ravi Shastri who has seen Dhoni behind closed doors as a manager and then as the head coach of Team India. Recently, in a conversation on Star Sports, a fan asked Shastri that if he could play IPL, under whose captaincy would he like to play?
Shastri’s reply was a no brainer as he said that he would enjoy playing under Dhoni.
,Mazaa aayega Dhoni’s captaincy in the game (It will be fun to play under Dhoni’s captaincy). His record as a captain compels you to correct him,” said Ravi Shastri.
The former India head coach, who also led the Indian team during his playing days, recalled how Dhoni was touted as the next Indian captain in 2007.
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“Coolness is one thing but the way he reads and understands the game is fantastic. I remember when I was the manager in 2007 and Dilip Vengsarkar was the selector. Rahul Dravid got injured during the practice session at Eden Gardens, we were talking and MS Dhoni’s name came up. He asked me and I said, ‘this man has leadership quality’,’ Shastri said.
“It didn’t take long and Dileep was also on the same page. Dileep was an ideal selector at that time and had realized that this man had the potential. so what is that [Vengsarkar] It wasn’t just coolness to see but the ability to read the game, street-smart ability, personality, character… all these things come into play when you’re looking for a good captain.”
