Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman S Badrinath recently revealed that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, was not always the captain cool that he is known to be now. Badrinath, who played under Dhoni’s captaincy for CSK, stated that the former Indian captain had to work hard to earn the title of ‘captain cool’.
Dhoni, who led CSK in 235 matches over a span of 15 years, ended up winning 142 of those and losing 90. This impressive record speaks volumes about Dhoni’s leadership skills and his ability to guide his team to victory. However, Badrinath’s revelation sheds light on the fact that Dhoni’s journey to becoming one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket was not an easy one.
Badrinath, who was a part of CSK from the very first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared an incident from their initial days as a team. He stated that during one of the practice sessions, Dhoni got angry and smashed his bat on the ground in frustration. This incident shocked the entire team as they had never seen Dhoni lose his cool before. This incident made the team realize that even their captain, who is known for his calm and collected attitude, also has his moments of frustration and anger.
Badrinath further added that this incident proved to be a turning point for CSK. It made the team realize that even though Dhoni may appear calm on the outside, he is just as passionate and competitive as any other player on the field. This incident motivated the team to work harder and put in their best efforts in every match.
Dhoni’s journey as a captain was not an easy one. He had to prove himself time and again, and it was not just his performance on the field that made him a successful captain. His ability to remain cool under pressure, make crucial decisions, and lead his team to victory is what sets him apart from other captains.
In the initial years of his captaincy, Dhoni faced criticism for his unorthodox style and unconventional decisions on the field. However, he never let these criticisms affect him and continued to lead his team with confidence and determination. He always put the team’s interests above his personal achievements, and this selfless attitude is what earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates.
Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK became known as the most consistent team in the IPL. They reached the playoffs every year, won the tournament three times, and finished as runners-up on four occasions. This remarkable feat would not have been possible without Dhoni’s exceptional leadership skills.
Apart from his achievements on the field, Dhoni’s off-field persona is also highly appreciated. He is known to be a humble and down-to-earth person who treats everyone with respect. His calm and composed attitude has inspired many young cricketers to emulate him and has earned him the nickname of ‘captain cool’.
Dhoni’s performance as a captain has earned him accolades from all over the world. He led the Indian team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. He also holds the record for the most wins by an Indian captain in ODIs and T20Is.
In 2020, Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket, but he continues to lead CSK in the IPL. His presence on the field is enough to boost the morale of his teammates, and his leadership continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
In conclusion, S Badrinath’s revelation about Dhoni’s journey as a captain serves as a reminder that success does not come easy. Dhoni’s hard work, determination, and ability to remain calm under pressure have made him one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket. His journey is a true testament to the fact that with the right attitude and determination, one can achieve great heights of success.
