Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, has carved a legacy in Indian cricket, not just as a player but also as a remarkable leader. His captaincy and man-management skills have set him apart, making him one of the best captains India has ever seen.
Under Dhoni's captaincy, the Indian cricket team achieved unprecedented success, clinching major titles on the global stage. India secured victory in two Cricket World Cups – the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, marking significant milestones in the country's cricketing history. Additionally, Dhoni led the Men in Blue to triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy, showcasing his ability to steer the team to glory in different formats of the game.
During a recent event in Mumbai, Dhoni emphasized the importance of respect and loyalty in leadership. He underscored that earning respect as a leader is paramount and doesn't come solely from one's position but from one's conduct and actions.
What did MS Dhoni say on loyalty and leadership?
“Loyalty has a lot to do with the respect factor. When you talk about the dressing room, unless the support staff or players respect you, it is difficult to get that loyalty,” said Dhoni.
"It is actually about what you are doing and not about what you are speaking. You may not actually speak anything but your conduct can earn that respect.
I always felt that earning respect (as a leader) is important as it does not come with the chair or rank. It comes with your conduct. People are insecure at times. Sometimes, even if the team believes in you, you are actually the first person who will not believe in you. To sum it up, don’t try to command respect but earn it, as it is very organic. Once you have that loyalty then the performance too will follow."
Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni continues to inspire as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His leadership has propelled the team to multiple IPL titles, showcasing his ability to lead and motivate in high-pressure situations.
Dhoni's leadership style is characterized by his astute understanding of each player's strengths and weaknesses. He believes in tailoring his approach to suit individual personalities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. By creating a conducive environment that fosters confidence and self-belief, Dhoni empowers his players to perform at their best.
"Some people love pressure and some people don’t like pressure. What is important is to understand the strength of the individual and the weaknesses of the individual. Once you have done that, you will start working on the weakness of a player without actually telling him that this is a weakness.
“So, it keeps a player confident and keeps the player from doubting himself. They like to see how it works and that is the job of a captain or coach to figure out what works for who,” he added.
Dhoni's humility and approachability have endeared him to his teammates, fostering a culture of mutual respect within the dressing room.
His exemplary leadership in cricket serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders across the globe. His emphasis on respect, loyalty, and understanding has not only brought success on the field but has also left an indelible mark on the sport's history.
MS Dhoni's records in T20Is:
| Matches | Wins | Losses | Tie | NR | Win % |
| 72 | 41 | 28 | 1 | 2 | 59.28 |
MS Dhoni's records in Tests:
| Matches | Won | Lost | Tie/Drawn | Win % |
| 60 | 27 | 18 | 15 | 45.00% |
MS Dhoni's records in ODIs:
| Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Win % |
| 213 | 125 | 87 | 0 | 1 | 58.96% |