‘Dhoni has only one competitor’: Former India opener reveals MSD’s mindset

MS Dhoni is considered as one of the greatest captains of the Indian team. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India have won three ICC trophies- 2007 T20World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

The wicketkeeper-batsman made his India debut against Bangladesh in December 2004. During his 15-year long international career, Dhoni impressed several fans and experts with his wicketkeeping, aggressive batting and shrewd leadership skills.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has recently recalled one incident from 2004 even before Dhoni made his debut for India. During India A’s tour to Zimbabwe, Chopra found to his utter surprise that 23-year-old Dhoni was bowling to his competitor Dinesh Karthik at the nets.

Chopra went to Dhoni and asked him why he was bowling to Karthik instead of brushing his wicketkeeping and batting skills. Dhoni’s answer impressed Chopra.

“Why are you bowling to him? He is your direct competitor. If he does well you don’t play in the XI. You should practice batting or keeping. Why bowling?” Chopra asked Dhoni.

In response to Chopra’s question Dhoni said, “Please don’t stop me. I want to bowl. If you want to bat, you can. I will bowl to you too.”

After the incident, Chopra realized that Dhoni was not competing against Karthik or anybody else. He was only competing with himself.

“There was only one lesson from the incident by Dhoni. Be the best version of yourself as you are your biggest competitor,” said Chopra.