Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s rise in cricket is a stuff of legends. He was a shy boy next door in Ranchi. Dhoni was the reason why Ranchi became a popular city in the country. Let alone the dream of captaining the side to the world cup, the fact that a player from Ranchi could represent India was a big achievement for the little town then. Dhoni dared not just Ranchi but all of small-town India to dream big.
Dhoni being abused by his friends:
Dhoni’s success as a player and captain is well documented. But not many know that Dhoni is as reserved a person off the field as he is on the field. He has always been a shy cricketer who kept all his thoughts to himself. There is a video featuring Dhoni and his friends back then when Dhoni hadn’t become an integral member of the Indian team. We can see a bunch of Dhoni’s friends abusing him with all glee and joy.
Dhoni seems to be enjoying the moment but feels shy and sheepish when he realises that the video is being recorded. This video of Dhoni and his friends enjoying is similar to what people from all walks of life experience. No matter how big a star you are, you won’t change for your friends and this video is an example of that.
Dhoni’s fabulous career:
He burst onto the scene with his whirlwind knocks for ‘India A’ in a triangular tournament featuring Pakistan A, and Kenya. Dhoni was called upon the national team immediately thereafter thanks to his batting and keeping exploits. When the Indian team was looking for a batsman-keeper, Dhoni was the answer to all their prayers. He had a middling start to his career but post his debut ODI century against Pakistan in Vizag, 2005, there was no looking back for him.
Dhoni was recommended for captaincy by batting legend Sachin Tendulkar ahead of the likes of Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh. He immediately repaid the faith the selectors had in him by leading India to the inaugural T20 World Cup win in 2007. Dhoni also led India to a famous maiden ODI triumph in 2008 against Australia in Australia. He took India to the top of the rankings in Tests in 2009. Dhoni’s crowning moment as captain came in 2011 when he led India to an ODI World Cup win 2011. He became the only captain in the world to have won the triple of T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013).
