MS Dhoni’s legacy in cricket is built on exceptional leadership. He is the only captain in the game’s history to have achieved the rare feat of winning all three ICC events in limited-overs cricket. His journey began in 2007 when he led India to a historic victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. This marked the commencement of his remarkable captaincy career, and he didn’t look back.
In 2011, Dhoni orchestrated India’s 28-year wait for the ODI World Cup title to end. This victory in front of the home crowd remains one of the most cherished moments in Indian cricket history. Two years later, he led the Indian team to glory in the Champions Trophy in England, further solidifying his reputation as a master tactician.
Dhoni’s captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is equally impressive. He has donned the captain’s hat for the Chennai Super Kings, a team he has led to five IPL titles. No other captain in the tournament’s history has led a team to more finals and playoffs. His understanding of the game and the ability to make wise decisions under pressure has been instrumental in Chennai Super Kings’ consistent success.
What made MS Dhoni stand out was not just his cricketing acumen but also his calm demeanor on the field. He was often referred to as “Captain Cool” due to his ability to keep his emotions in check, irrespective of the match situation. This calm and composed approach kept the opposition guessing about his next move, making him a captain who thrived under pressure.
In a recent event, Dhoni revealed a captivating anecdote that showcased his street smartness. Before becoming a cricket star in India, the legend worked as a ticket collector in Kharagpur, a town in West Bengal. During his tenure, he became proficient in Bengali, the local language. This language proficiency would later become a valuable asset in his cricketing career.
During a game against Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi cricketers were unaware that Dhoni understood Bengali. They unknowingly discussed their plans in front of him in Bengali, assuming he couldn’t comprehend the language. Dhoni, with his remarkable linguistic skills, followed their conversations closely.
‘If You Want To Win The World Cup, Then You Have To Beat…’, Gautam Gambhir Comes With An Interesting Analysis
When the Bangladesh wicketkeeper instructed the bowlers in Bengali, Dhoni comprehended their strategies. The Bangladeshi players were under the impression that Dhoni was oblivious to their language, but they were in for a surprise.
“Kharagpur me mere railways ka job that aur us samay mera Bengali bahut achhi thi. Ab bolunga toh bhulbhal bolunga, kisko kya kharaab laag jayega (When I used to work at Kharagpur in Railways, my Bengali was very well. Now if I speak, I may commit mistakes),” MS Dhoni said in the event.
Humorously, Dhoni revealed the Bengali connection by exclaiming, “E to Bangla bujhte paare” (He understands Bengali!). The Bangladeshi players’ reactions ranged from astonishment to amusement.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni 😭😂🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/zui1D0DfUm
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) October 30, 2023
