5 reasons that helped build MS Dhoni's lasting legacy as captain

#4 Unhurried approach to the game and assuredness of champions

Dhoni’s calm demeanour rubbed off on the team

It is true to some extent that a captain is as good as his team but a captain certainly changes the way his team plays. Ricky Ponting and his team played firebrand cricket. Sourav Ganguly had aggression and that reflected in the attitude of his team. Anil Kumble had determination in his game and that reflected in his team. Who can forget that famous 2008 Perth Test.

In the era of the aggressive brand of cricket, Dhoni brought an unhurried approach to the game. Before Dhoni’s ascendency as captain, the Indian team were jittery in big chases and nervous on big occasions. There were many occasions when India collapsed after being in a good position. The panic button was pressed more often than needed. Dhoni removed that mental block and gave a loud call for calmness.

The situation gradually changed in years to come under his captaincy. From being bad chasers, India became chase masters. In last two years of his captaincy, it was down mainly to the genius of Virat Kohli but Dhoni is not far behind.

In his tenure as captain, in 43 innings while chasing, Dhoni scored 1558 runs, in winning causes, at a staggering average of 91.64. The attitude of Dhoni rubbed off on players as well and the Indian team under him possessed assuredness of Champions unlike the nervousness of underdogs earlier seen.