Mahendra Singh Dhoni: Another opportunity for ‘Captain Cool’ to prove his mettle

Zee Media Bureau/ Chaitan Papnai

New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, arguably the best Indian skipper of all time, is a true leader in every sense. Ever since he joined the Indian team he has been facing criticism on different issues be it on-the-field or off it. Initially, when he was selected in the Test side, critics were of the view that his technique and temperament doesn’t match to that of the longest format of game. But the hard-hitting batsman took it as a challenge and gradually changed his technique. Known as one of the best finishers of all time, Dhoni under his captaincy won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. Even then few critics were taking it as a fluke. But then Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won two back-to-back IPL titles in 2010, 2011 under MSD and in 2010 claimed the Champions League title as well. And Dhoni once again sealed the lips of his critics. In the 2009-10, Team India reached the zenith of the ICC Test rankings, once again under the cool and calm Dhoni. Then came the biggest achievement among all, Dhoni-led Indian team won the ICC World Cup in 2011 and India became the first country to win the title while hosting the tournament. Dhoni has given a number of young cricketers the confidence they needed initially to take the world by storm. Showing his trust when they need it the most was the key for all the youngsters be it R Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma and many others. Thus far, in the hindsight, most of his decisions on and off the field seem right. And the captain cool has yet another test waiting for him. Dhoni’s CSK has reached the semifinals of the Champions League by showing their sheer dominance. It would be interesting to see whether this cool and calm Ranchi boy will do it once again and add another feather to his hat or not.