There are very few in world cricket right now who are as experienced as Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The wonder boy from Ranchi began his career over a decade ago in 2004 and is now one of the most decorated players in the history of the game. Apart from being one of the most sought after batsmen in the limited-overs of the game, Dhoni is one of the most successful skippers the world has ever seen. He led India to the top of the Test rankings and brought home three ICC titles- the World T20, World Cup and the Champions Trophy. In fact, the 36-year old is the only captain to have won all the ICC titles.
And so when the former India skipper went to National Cricket Academy for fitness tests ahead of the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, the officials made sure to ask the Indian star deliver some motivational talks to the other players and he happily obliged. Sitting alongside his India teammate, Dhoni began with what is needed to become a good player and how the players should readily admit their shortcomings and work hard to overcome them.
“I felt what helped he was playing against good players and playing a lot of matches and having the hunger to score runs irrespective of what level you are playing. Technique is important, right now there are many things that can assist you. Videos I always felt was the best example.When you are batting, you coach tells you your head is falling. The moment you see the video, you are the first one to tell the coach your head is falling. So visual reference is always of very good help,” he said.
“In the Indian setup there are few things that we need to careful about. We don’t like to show out weakness. Even when we know there is a problem, we don’t admit it. If you don’t admit it, you cannot improve,” he added. Admission of shortcoming is very important. You need to have the courage to overcome that. It boils down to your mindset.”
One of the most calm and composed players on a cricket field, Dhoni said abusing others does not always give the desired results and keeping things simple make a big difference.
“Keeping it simple really helps. For some teams sledging is very important, for some hitting the right topic is important. You don’t have to abuse someone to turn the screw. Hitting the right topic can be subtle,” he said.
The wicketkeeper-batsman further insisted how important it is to think out of the box. Citing Rohit Sharma’s example, who began his career as a middle-order batsman but is now one of the best openers in the world, Dhoni said the Mumbai batsman’s talent forced him to try him out as an opener.
“We have to see what others are not seeing. Rohit Sharma is one of the best examples. He accepted that challenge of becoming an opener. In limited-overs, he is one of the best openers who is playing right now. You have to at times think out of the box. We were like the amount of talent this guy has, I have to make him play. For that, if I have to make him an opener, I will do it,” Dhoni said.
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“Whether he is up to the mark, only his performance will judge that. You can only do that if your other 5-6 batsmen are performing. If you keep losing games, you can’t give games to individuals. If you lose 3-4 games,you have to make a few changes. If you keep playing the same XI then others who are your bench strength won’t get a reality check of what they have on offer. It is slightly complex but what’s easiest and what always works during a series is to give the individual as much confidence as possible,” he added.