Why am I an MS Dhoni fanboy—the greatest finisher ever, the only captain to win all ICC trophies, the most successful Indian captain? Nah, these stats and records may make him a great player but are certainly not enough for people to show their devotion and love towards him as they do.
It requires more than mere trophies or awards to make people fall in love with you. To shed tears at your failures and pray for your success. Then what is it that makes MS Dhoni the figure that he is today?
For me, it’s the belief he has in himself and his abilities that makes me his admirer. He has taught me how to avoid distractions, deal with negativity and focus on the work at hand.
It was two games back to back where MS Dhoni was criticised heavily for his low and slow scores which caused his team four crucial points. But he didn’t pay much attention as he knew how well he was batting at nets. He trusted his process and tried to execute it.
In the era of social media, MS Dhoni has this great ability to shut down all the external noises and focus on what he believes is right. He was ready to be crucified if he had failed in the first qualifier against Delhi Capitals, but the sheer belief he has in himself allowed him to do what he deemed fit.
Was it the right cricketing decision to bat before Jadeja? Maybe not. But that is what makes MS Dhoni who he is. He is the ultimate example for today’s generation who struggle to make decisions and give attention to the outside world a lot more than it deserves.
At the same time, he also nurtures others along with him and creates a safe space for those working with him. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa are excellent examples.
MS Dhoni played in an era where the biggest superstars emerged and were in the team before him. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and youngsters like Yuvraj Singh and Virendra Sehwag were already household names before Dhoni arrived at the scene. But he has managed to surpass all of them and can be called The Last Pied Piper of Indian Cricket.