- MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh have played together for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Now Harbhajan has narrated a funny anecdote about Dhoni.
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Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni Leadership:
Former Indian team captain MS Dhoni has always helped his fellow players as a captain, a leader and a mentor. But there is also an incident when Dhoni refused to help Shardul Thakur. Actually this matter is of Chennai Super Kings, in which Dhoni and Shardul Thakur have played together. Harbhajan Singh also played for CSK from 2018-2020 and now he has narrated the saga of an unheard story of MS Dhoni.
According to Harbhajan, MS Dhoni never tries to take control of the match in his hands, rather he tries to support his fellow bowlers. He said, “I remember a match when we were playing for CSK. Dhoni was the wicketkeeper, I was standing at the short fine leg position. Shardul Thakur was bowling and Kane Williamson hit a four on his very first ball. The next ball came at the same length and Williamson repeated the same shot. I went to Dhoni and asked him to advise Shardul to bowl at a different length.”
If I tell you today…
Harbhajan further continued his talk and said, “Dhoni said to me, ‘Paaji, if you tell me today, then he will never learn. Let him judge the length himself.’ Dhoni’s way of thinking was that Shardul will learn himself after conceding more boundaries. This is MS Dhoni’s way.”
Harbhajan also became a fan of Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is known for his patient nature, he is patient on the field, that is why he is also known as Captain Cool. Praising him, Harbhajan said, “Dhoni always works patiently. His second most special thing is that he has a clear stand on what he wants to achieve. Dhoni’s third speciality is that his own ability to win has a positive effect on the entire team.”
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, is revered for his cricketing acumen, calm demeanor, and the ability to guide young players with wisdom and precision. However, not every interaction between Dhoni and his teammates followed the expected script of mentorship. Recently, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared an interesting story that sheds light on an unexpected moment when Dhoni refused to help Shardul Thakur, a rising star in Indian cricket. This blog delves into the details of that story and explores the reasons behind Dhoni’s decision, offering a unique glimpse into the leadership style of the legendary cricketer.
The Incident: A Lesson in Self-Reliance
The story takes us back to a time when Shardul Thakur, still new to the international cricket scene, approached MS Dhoni for advice. Thakur, eager to learn and improve, sought Dhoni’s guidance on how to bowl in certain situations. Given Dhoni’s vast experience and reputation as a tactical genius, Thakur expected to receive some valuable insights. However, to his surprise, Dhoni refused to offer any direct advice.
Harbhajan Singh, who was present at the time, narrated this incident in an interview, highlighting how Dhoni’s refusal wasn’t out of reluctance or indifference but was a calculated move to instill confidence and self-reliance in the young bowler. Dhoni believed that Shardul needed to figure things out on his own, learn from his experiences, and develop his own cricketing instincts rather than relying too heavily on others.
Dhoni’s Leadership Philosophy: Empowering Players
This incident is a classic example of Dhoni’s leadership philosophy, which often involved empowering his players to think for themselves and take responsibility for their actions on the field. Dhoni, known for his cool and composed leadership, understood that cricket, especially at the international level, is as much a mental game as it is physical. He believed that players would grow stronger and more resilient by solving problems independently.
By not giving Shardul Thakur the answers, Dhoni was subtly encouraging him to trust his instincts, analyze situations, and make decisions under pressure—skills that are crucial for any successful cricketer. Dhoni’s approach may have seemed harsh or unsupportive at the moment, but it was rooted in a desire to help Thakur develop into a more confident and capable player.
Harbhajan Singh’s Perspective: A Veteran’s Insight
Harbhajan Singh, a seasoned cricketer who played alongside Dhoni for many years, shared this story to highlight the unique ways in which Dhoni nurtured talent. Harbhajan explained that while Dhoni’s methods might have seemed unconventional, they were effective in the long run. He admired Dhoni’s ability to see the bigger picture and his understanding that spoon-feeding players wouldn’t prepare them for the rigors of international cricket.
Harbhajan’s narrative also underscores the respect Dhoni commanded in the dressing room. Even when his decisions were unorthodox, players trusted his judgment, knowing that he had their best interests at heart. This trust was a key element in Dhoni’s successful captaincy, which led India to numerous victories, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Shardul Thakur’s Growth: From Learner to Performer
Looking back, Shardul Thakur’s journey in international cricket reflects the impact of Dhoni’s tough love. Thakur has developed into a versatile and dependable cricketer, known for his ability to perform under pressure. Whether it’s delivering crucial breakthroughs with the ball or contributing vital runs with the bat, Thakur has become a valuable asset to the Indian team.
While the incident with Dhoni might have been a challenging moment for Thakur, it likely played a role in shaping his mindset and approach to the game. Dhoni’s refusal to help directly forced Thakur to step up, take ownership of his game, and evolve into the cricketer he is today.
Conclusion
The story of MS Dhoni refusing to help Shardul Thakur, as narrated by Harbhajan Singh, offers a fascinating insight into Dhoni’s leadership style. It reveals a captain who believed in empowering his players by challenging them to find their own path, even if it meant withholding advice. This approach, while unconventional, has been instrumental in shaping many of India’s cricketing talents.
Dhoni’s legacy as a captain is not just about the trophies he won but also about the players he nurtured and the lessons he imparted. Shardul Thakur’s story is just one example of how Dhoni’s guidance—sometimes indirect—has had a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on Dhoni’s leadership style? Do you believe that tough love is the best way to nurture talent, or do you prefer a more hands-on approach? Share your views in the comments below, and let’s discuss how Dhoni’s unique methods have influenced Indian cricket.