Dhoni - An Enigma

Back in September 2007 when India won the first Twenty20 World Cup, Mahendra Singh Dhoni left a telling impression. Since then, he has been regarded as one of India’s greatest game finishers. For instance, his crucial innings of 45 against South Africa in the quarter-final was followed by a splendid 36 against the Australians in the semi-final of the T20 Cup 2007. Also, from then on the whole burden of Indian Cricket had been shifted to the man from jharkhand, M.S. Dhoni. Talking about him as captain, he really showed the captaincy material and went onto win the inaugural Twenty20 Championship. Essentially many have termed it as a fluke, given that no other captain was able to achieve such a milestone as debutant skipper. His entry has in fact rehabilitated the Indian team.

Dhoni, however, didn’t bother about the critics. He continued to reinstate his position in the team as the finest skipper as he led his Test team to win four consecutive matches on the trot when he took over from Anil Kumble. At that point of time, his win percentage was around 70 and also the fact that his win percentage at overseas was equally good as compared to home record. Being the first skipper to win a T20 Cup at the start, and to win four Test matches on the trot, Dhoni had a record to brag out.

A leader who is courageous enough and doesn’t get tensed at any circumstances, the unique part about Dhoni is to be successful for his team in tough situations. It’s rare to see Dhoni shouting at his bowlers and screaming at his fielders. Actually, that is what something which was looked upon as an essential quality a leader should have. Because of the cool-headed approach, Dhoni has been able to think and identify his elite bowlers who could really pose threats to the opposition’s batsmen in the slog overs. For instance, in the ICC Cricket World Cup, after having made 338 against England India were virtually out of the contest after Strauss’ splendid century. Dhoni, however, brought his best bowler Zaheer Khan in the 35th over and he responded to his captain with the wicket of Strauss (158). Thereafter, the wickets continued to tumble for England, given that Dhoni’s strategically field placing after Strauss dismissal paid off.

Under Dhoni, India became the first team to win a bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The “Super King” led Chennai to DLF IPL 2011 victory and in the Champions League 2010. India became the first team after a gap of 20 years to whitewash Australia in a test series. Sachin Tendulkar heaped praised on Dhoni, declaring him the best captain that he had played under. “I have played under many skipper and playing under Dhoni was something special” he added. Apart from that, India lifted the Common Wealth Bank series after 28 years in 2008 under the stewardship of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Truly, Dhoni has been blessed with a team that has great talented youngsters who have actually made it to the international level from stunning performances in IPL. Captaining such a team is like a gift to him and Dhoni certainly has this under his belt. Also, whenever a tensed situation loomed, somebody would really take India home. Or, Dhoni himself would find a way if no one else did. For instance, in ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final 2011, against Australia, India were in a spot of bother at 187-5 needing more than 74 runs to win. You might have wondered how India was able to clinch the match with 5 wickets remaining. It was Suresh Raina who stuck it out with Yuvraj as he played an astonishing quick fire 36 runs to see India through. Now the question here is, how did they do it?

It is because of the cool-headed approach that each and every player was adapting to in given circumstances. More so, he has certain tactics that will be going through his mind and his tactics have almost never failed. For instance, in the ICC Cricket World Cup final 2011, he promoted himself to No.5 and played a splendid innings of 96*. Had that tactic failed that day, what would have been his position in the team?

However, just with two demoralizing tours Dhoni shouldn’t be criticized, as under him India once occupied the number 1 position both in Test and as well as in ODI rankings. Now with all said and done, India has started a fresh season and non-stop cricket for six months. Since they’ve come from a two-month break, there’s no doubt that the player to watch out for will be India’s skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. If Dhoni steps down as captain, there is no other option of going to Sachin or Virender Sehwag. Virender Sehwag is not experienced in leading the side in tests and more so, Tendulkar isn’t interested in leading the side. No Kumble, no Saurav, if Dhoni steps down, India would be in trouble.

Now, the squad that has been selected for the T20 Cup has immense potential and is capable of winning the Cup. It is all about how Dhoni marshals his resources. He needs to find the right combination in quick time as the first four games of the league stage are indeed going to be important. Well, it’s going to be interesting to see the bowling department, whether he will go with 3 seamers and a spinner or with Pathan in the squad, he would probably go with 2 seamers and a spinner.

Now, in this competition Dhoni has to play a major role. Selectors have done their job and if Dhoni chooses his XI accurately, then nobody can stop India from winning this World Cup!