The year was 2007. India had shamefully crashed out of the 50-over world cup in the league stage.
Stones were thrown, effigies burnt. The nation didn’t take it well.
Next up was a new format of cricket called the T20 World Cup.
The big guns were rested. India was without the services of Tendulkar, Dravid, Kumble, or Ganguly.
The captain was a young wicket-keeper from an unknown state with an unconventional batting style. His long hair didn’t get him in the good books of uncles who thought cricket was a gentleman’s game.
Despite all odds, he traveled with an equally young team to play in a tournament that people barely understood.
And then, he created history!
Since then, he has created history multiple times in International and IPL cricket. But what can we learn from this incredible leader?
Lesson 1:Believe in Your Team
Dhoni demonstrated the power of belief in his players. He instilled confidence in each member of the team, regardless of their age or experience.
(Remember Dhoni’s decision to hand over the ball to Joginder Sharma for the final over?)
He trusted them to perform when it mattered the most. His faith in his teammates created an atmosphere of camaraderie, inspiring them to give their best on the field.
Lesson 2: Lead by Example
Leadership is not just about giving orders; it’s about leading from the front. Dhoni exemplified this principle throughout his career. He promoted himself in the 50-over world cup final against Sri Lanka because he knew he could play Muralitharan better.
He is known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to take calculated risks. Whenever the team faced a difficult situation, Dhoni would step up and take charge, showing his teammates the way forward. (Remember Dhoni removing one glove before the final ball and then sprinting to run-out against Bangladesh?)
His calmness and composure in challenging times served as an inspiration to all.
Lesson 3: Focus on the Process. Not the Results
For MS, success and failure are the same. Because he believes that you cannot control the outcome. All you can do is focus on the process. Focus on what delivery you can bowl to get the batsman out. Focus on what shots you can play to score runs.
Dhoni’s calmness stemmed from his confidence in his preparation and skills. He is known for putting in extensive practice and analysis before matches. This is the process he follows before every match till date.
Lesson 4: Respect and Empathy
Dhoni’s leadership style is characterized by a deep sense of respect and empathy for his teammates.
In Sourav Ganguly’s final test match, Dhoni asked him to take over the captaincy for the last wicket. This was a show of respect to the Captain who picked Dhoni in his side.
He values everyone’s opinions and listens attentively to their ideas. He strived to create an environment where everyone felt valued and understood.
No wonder so many players still keep in touch with him!
Lesson 5: Never Let Success Get to Your Head
Despite achieving numerous accolades and records, Dhoni remains humble and grounded. Despite his fame and success, he stays away from the limelight. After winning, he hands over the trophy to his teammates and stands at the side.
He understands the importance of staying grounded. He’s comfortable sitting on the floors in an airport, living in a quiet city, and not being on social media. His humility not only earned him the respect of his teammates but also endeared him to fans across the nation.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s success as a leader stems from his calmness under pressure, his lead-by-example approach, his ability to back and nurture young talent, his unconventional tactics, and his adeptness in handling senior players.
These unique qualities illustrate what makes Dhoni a standout leader, inspiring his team to reach greater heights and solidifying his place as one of the most successful cricket captains in history.