Former BCCI Chairman Reveals Turning Points in MS Dhoni’s Career
Saba Karim, the former Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, recently shared some interesting insights into the early days of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s cricket career. Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Indian cricket history, had to work hard and wait for his opportunity to make it to the national team.
Karim recalled the first time he saw Dhoni, playing for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. He was immediately struck by Dhoni’s exceptional batting skills. Karim remembers Dhoni playing big lofted shots to both spinners and pace bowlers. However, there was room for improvement in his wicketkeeping technique. Karim worked closely with Dhoni on his footwork, which turned out to be a significant turning point in the young cricketer’s career. They also decided to let Dhoni open the innings in one-day matches, owing to his powerful batting and ability to score quickly.
Dhoni, as we all know, went on to achieve unprecedented success as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He is the only captain in the history of the sport to have won all three International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies in the limited-overs format – the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
According to Karim, the second turning point in Dhoni’s career came during a tri-series in Kenya involving India ‘A’, Pakistan ‘A’, and the Kenyan national team. Dhoni got a chance to play due to another player’s inclusion in the national team. He not only impressed with his wicketkeeping skills but also showcased his exceptional batting abilities during the series against Pakistan ‘A’.
This outstanding performance in the tri-series convinced Karim that Dhoni deserved a place in the senior Indian cricket team. Karim even approached then captain Sourav Ganguly and recommended Dhoni’s inclusion, emphasizing his remarkable batting skills and secure wicketkeeping. Unfortunately, Ganguly hadn’t witnessed Dhoni’s game just before their tour of Pakistan, resulting in Dhoni missing out on that particular tour. However, Dhoni’s time would come soon after, and his name started gaining recognition and consideration for future roles.
Karim’s revelations provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of MS Dhoni’s career and shed light on the turning points that shaped him into the formidable cricketer he became. Dhoni’s achievements as a leader and his ability to finish matches with his batting prowess have made him a respected figure in Indian cricket and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation.
It is evident that talent and hard work, coupled with the guidance of experienced mentors like Saba Karim, played a pivotal role in Dhoni’s rise to stardom. His legacy in Indian cricket is one that will be cherished for generations to come.
