5 life lessons one can learn from Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s career

Helicopter shots, lightning-fast stumpings, game-changing decisions, successful finishes, winning strategies, the list goes on. From a small-town boy to Captain Cool, Dhoni has had an amazing journey. The legend of MS Dhoni keeps growing with every match. We’ve seen Dhoni’s untold story on screen, almost lived the dream with him by cheering him on from the stands. However, there is more to the man than coveted trophies, crazy adjectives, and immense fan-following. Here are 5 life lessons to be learnt from Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s cricketing career.

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#1 Keep calm and carry on

Lightning fast speed

A lot has been said and written about Dhoni’s calmness on the field. That level of composure can come handy in every walk of life. Be it an office setting or a personal relationship, being composed has its set of advantages.

Dhoni’s calmness originates from the fact that he responds to situations and doesn’t react. A reaction is instant, a response is calculated. Keeping calm in trying circumstances helps in thinking and responding rather than reacting to it mindlessly.

#2 Trust your instincts

Dhoni's decision paid off

Often, our subconscious mind makes decisions for us. It is said that we first make a decision emotionally and then try to make sense of it by rationalizing it. Supporting facts are searched to convince ourselves of the decision. Instinct is often linked with the subconscious and based on a certain level of analysis as well.

Many would say, giving the last over to an inexperienced Joginder Sharma in India’s Twenty 20 World Cup final against Pakistan in 2007 was an instinctive call. Dhoni has on many occasions gone ahead with bowling changes and field placements on his gut feeling. Many decisions have been based on his instincts and they have worked more often than not.

#3 Keeping anxiety at bay

Dhoni orchestrating his field

When you expect, you sow the anxiety seed. You water it unknowingly when those expectations grow and the seed develops into a wild plant. It grows stronger and ends up stifling you. Performing to your potential is what is in your hands, the end result is not.

Dhoni’s philosophy is to give a hundred percent and perform to the maximum potential. That is what he used to say during press conferences and in team meetings. Worrying is unnecessary and a fruitless activity. Doing your job to your capabilities and not worrying about the result, frees you from the shackles of anxiety.

#4 Playing your role

Hard work always pays off

Dhoni came into the Indian set-up when the team’s line up boasted of greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman, and Anil Kumble. Primarily, his role was to keep wickets. When promoted up the order, his job was to accelerate. Later, he was asked to finish games. Currently, he is more of a mentor to the youngsters.

Dhoni evolved as a player and as a person by playing those roles. He played them to perfection. He did what was asked of that specific role. Life often puts people in situations in which they have to play a particular role. Not think of the future but do justice to the present and play the role with conviction.

#5 Walk away

The best mentor one can ask for

Dhoni used to famously walk away after winning the trophy as he grew as a captain. He let the youngsters hold the trophy and enjoy the moment. In victory, the best performer was sent to bask in the glory and in defeat, Dhoni faced the venomous questions at the press conferences.

Just as he walked away from his Test career without much fanfare, there will come a day when he will call it quits in the limited overs format as well. After all, cricket is a part of life, not life itself. Walking away helps in focusing on what is important and not giving undue importance to oneself, or life’s problems. In the end, you have to look back at life and say to yourself, well played.