What If: MS Dhoni had not become India's captain

4. Jadeja and Ashwin may not have had prolific careers

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin began their careers under Dhoni

Right now, both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are flourishing under the leadership of Virat Kohli in Test cricket. But both players began their journey in the international game under Dhoni, who provided them with the opportunities at the highest level.

Jadeja was not considered to be a utility cricketer at the start of his career but Dhoni backed him to the hilt. Ashwin was known as someone who experimented a lot at the start of his career, but Dhoni retained him even when the off-spinner was carted around occasionally.

If there is one legacy that Dhoni will leave when he does quit cricket, it would be that he gave his fellow players a long enough rope to prove themselves. Like in the seniors’ case, it was a decision that didn’t please all, but outside perspective didn’t matter much for Dhoni.