Former 48-year-old England skipper Nasser Hussain said the former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the greatest-ever One-day International captain around the world while speaking to India Today in a sports show, before stating that it was a bit surprising decision from Dhoni for stepping down as limited-overs captain.
“I think he has done the right thing for himself and for Indian cricket. His legacy for me is I think he is the greatest-ever white ball captain. Not only in India but around the world. Only Ricky Ponting probably to have an argument with Dhoni about the greatest-ever white ball captain. His calmness under pressure has been absolutely amazing over the years,” Hussain was quoted as saying by India Today.
As an individual Dhoni has given the best to his national side while holding the jersey so close to his heart for which he has the great affection before his family. This speaks volumes about his passion for the game, before going down as one of the best ODI captains across the globe.
As a captain, Dhoni has achieved what his predecessor couldn’t achieve in the line of national duty for India in cricket.
“The expectations, the pressure, even if you are the ‘ice man’ that is Dhoni, it eventually catches up with you. So, if he feels he can’t do it anymore, then 100 percent. I have said that about Alastair Cook.. if you feel you can’t do it anymore then you must pass the baton on to the next man,” Hussain said.
However, Dhoni will be available for the selection for shorter formats including the three ODIS and T20Is against England.
In 2014, the wicket-keeper batsman Dhoni had retired in Test cricket to continue leading the national team in limited-overs cricket.
“I am a little surprised by Dhoni’s decision. But if Dhoni has had enough as a captain, Sourav Ganguly will tell you, Michael Clarke will tell you… when you know it… that feeling, it suddenly hits you then you can’t do the job anymore. He has done it for nine years. It is remarkable, especially in Indian cricket, nine years is a long, long time,” Hussain added.
Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has also praised Dhoni’s effort in a nine-year-long career while serving the nation.
The left-handed batsman said Dhoni has played match-winning knocks when his team needed him the most and as a captain, he has led his side exceptionally well to achieve some incredible feats and to set the perfect example for the cricketers to come.
“His performances have been remarkable, he has had a great tenure as captain and that’s why he has been captain for nine years. He has done terrific for India,” Ganguly said.
Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who has also echoed Nasser and Ganguly while stating Dhoni has been an aggressive captain who yielded the results at his will. He deserves credit for his splendid performances in ODIs and Tests following his incredible run as a captain in T20s.
“The way he played in both one-day and Test cricket was phenomenal. He led the country pretty well. Dhoni deserves so much credit for how well a captain he’s been. Also, he’s played the game in the right way,” Clarke said in a Sports show.