You will always be our captain!

‘7’ is not just a number, it’s an emotion.”

Yes, the man, the myth, the legend. The leader (THALA). This is an ideal situation for a person like me where your passion is helping you to improve your professional strengths. All I know about leadership is one name, MSD and I am writing about his leadership abilities and how he has emerged as a symbol of leadership over the past 15 years. ?I have tried to put all my readings, experiences and contents in this document which revolves around Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his leadership skills. To make it easier to read – going forward in this article, Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be referred to as MSD.

Introduction & Background:

Those who follow cricket closely can remember that it was the era of early 2000 where Saurav Ganguly took over captaincy of ICT (Indian Cricket Team) and he was the one who brought the culture of “winning” to the team. With all due respect of previous captains, Saurav had a natural aggression and determination which taught Indian cricket team to win, especially in home-away matches. This was the era where there was only one legend in the team – Sachin Tendulkar and the rest of them were shaping their career, in fact legends of today were starting their careers (Yuvraj, Zaheer, Harbhajan, MSD himself. Etc..).? It was “Dada” (Ganguly) who acted as a mentor for these kids and laid a strong foundation for future of Indian cricket. [Why this background is important to discuss you will come to know when you read further.]

How MSD became leader?

“Some failures are steppingstone of bright future.”

2007 World Cup – the worst in Indian cricket history in terms of India’s performance in ICC events and fans were out of control and displayed their aggressive and negative emotions towards all players via various unconstitutional practices. After a devastating defeat and being knocked out in group stage, most of the senior players refused to take part in upcoming- the first ever World T20 Championship at South Africa. Till that time, India as a team had played only one T-20 match and it was a totally new format which required different kind of skill sets and India was novice for the same. After the seniors’ withdrawal, BCCI decided to choose MSD as a captain of an upcoming ICC event. The question here is why only MSD? At that time there were players like Sehwag, Yuvraj, Gambhir who were relatively senior to MSD and had more exposure to international cricket than MSD. Nothing is coincidence – there are facts and logics behind that decision. BCCI consulted all senior players, especially Sachin about the next captain and Sachin along with other senior players had suggested MSD’s name.

WHY? Since his debut (in Dec 2004) he was keeping wickets and these seniors have experienced his natural ability to read the game from behind the wickets, unorthodox way of handling situations and there were many instances where he helped team to get success in some or other ways. This reminds me a famous quote from Robin Sharma:

?“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration.”

Before he became captain, he acted like a leader without title and that earned him a captaincy of Indian cricket team.

MSD’s Personal Qualities:

Personal qualities of MSD – can alone be a long chapter as this man has demonstrated various qualities in different situations at different stages of his career, both as individual and as a leader. I have tried to list a few of them here.

Vision & Goal Setting

MSD is a man of process, and he strongly believes in process driven framework. He has always planned his games and team formations by looking at the larger picture and long-term goals rather than personal or short-term gains. This is exactly what he said about preparation of 2011 world cup to media after winning WC2011 at Wankhede stadium.

“About one or one-and-a-half years back, we had set our eyes on the World Cup. We had a long-term goal. We started preparing for the World Cup.” – Dhoni to media persons (Service, 2011)

Even this similar characteristic was observed during latest auction of IPL for CSK (Chennai Super Kings). The way CSK has added young and uncapped players to their squad shows a long-term vision to build a stable and strong team for upcoming few seasons of IPL (Indian Premier league)

Leading by Example:

Effective leaders lead by example, and Dhoni epitomized this principle. Whether it was his dedication to physical fitness or his work ethic in training, he set high standards for himself and expected his teammates to follow suit. Dhoni's willingness to put in the hard work and lead from the front earned him the respect and admiration of his team. This approach reinforces the idea that leaders must be willing to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in the tasks they expect from their team members. Be it Yo-Yo test or discontinuing seniors based on lack of fitness – he took had decisions at times to set an example of standards and for the better future of Indian cricket.

Mindfulness:

MSD as an individual is mentally very strong and stable. The way he has handled different situations (on field as well as off field) shows he has a very calm and calculated thought process which has earned him the title of “Captain cool”. Handling difficult cricketing situations or media bouncers, he has shown that he has a strong hold over emotions and reactions. This is a rare and difficult skill to have. Be it a win or lose, he has always been found in a normal state which depicts his mindfulness and expertise around emotional intelligence.?

Pressure Handling Capabilities of MSD:

“If 15 runs are needed off the last over, pressure is on the bowler… not on MS Dhoni.”

?– Ian Bishop

We all know that MSD is considered as one of the greatest finishers of the game (cricket). The last five overs of cricket are all about pressure and temperament. Please see below stats of MSD related to these overs.

This man is known for handling pressure in the most effective way throughout his career and the core reason behind this ability as he has stated at multiple platforms that – Follow the process and don’t think about results. This philosophy is so powerful if you apply it in your daily life (personal or professional). 65-70% problems or stress or pressure originate from thinking about outcomes and results. If one can control the thoughts over results and focus on process of achieving goals, can be much more successful and mindful as well. MSD is the classic example of this.

Because of this ability, MSD used to shine even more in pressure situations and there are multiple instances where he single handedly brough team out of crisis or bad situations.

ICC itself has quoted MSD as “Man for a crisis.”

MSD’s way of leading and managing people:

If you look at the era of MSD’s captaincy for Indian cricket, it required a diverse skill set to handle and manage players of different levels. Let’s understand it with an example. [Refer to mention of Saurav Ganguly in introduction part].

When Saurav was a captain, he has more than 90% team as emerging players except legend like Sachin and senior like Kumble, Dravid and Srinath. He had that privilege to groom and manage almost entire team without hesitation as most of them were too young and moldable.

Now, let’s come to Dhoni’s era! Sachin, Sehwag, Saurav, Kumble, Dravid, Laxman, Yuvraj. He had almost half of a team as legends. He had to have a very different and difficult approach to handle these players considering their seniority and contributions to Indian cricket. What Saurav might have done with young kids, MSD could even not think about the same approach. Managing such legends without hurting their egos was a huge challenge, which he did very beautifully. He had to take a few tough calls which showed his commitment towards nation over person. There are other aspects of MSD’s people handling capabilities as well.

M.S. Dhoni's journey is replete with instances where he displayed exceptional leadership skills. These incidents showcase his ability to lead with composure, make crucial decisions, inspire his team, and navigate through challenging situations.

Here are a few notable incidents that highlight Dhoni's remarkable leadership capabilities:

1. ICC T20 World Cup 2007: A Historic Triumph

In the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup held in 2007, Dhoni led a relatively young and inexperienced Indian team to an unexpected victory. Under his captaincy, the team exhibited exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and self-belief. Dhoni's calm leadership during high-pressure situations, including the final match against Pakistan, stood out. His decision to promote himself up the batting order and his confidence in young talents like Joginder Sharma for the final over showcased his astute decision-making and trust in his players.

2. ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: A Nation's Dream Realized

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history was Dhoni's match-winning six in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 final against Sri Lanka. However, it wasn't just his winning shot that defined his leadership; it was his ability to handle immense pressure and guide the team throughout the tournament. His tactical decisions, such as promoting himself in the batting order during the final, and his composed demeanor in high-stakes situations showcased his leadership prowess.

3. IPL 2010: Rising from Controversies

In the 2010 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Dhoni's leadership was tested amidst controversies surrounding the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team, which was accused of spot-fixing. Despite the turmoil, Dhoni's ability to shield his team from distractions and focus on the game was evident. CSK went on to win the IPL that year, showcasing Dhoni's ability to steer his team through adversity and maintain their performance standards.

4. Champions Trophy 2013: Turning Defeat into Victory

In the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final against England, India faced a challenging target in a rain-affected match. Dhoni's strategic thinking was on full display as he promoted Ravindra Jadeja up the order, a move that paid off with a match-winning partnership. This incident showcased Dhoni's innovation and willingness to make bold decisions even in critical situations.

5. IPL 2018: Rejuvenating the Chennai Super Kings

After a two-year suspension from the IPL due to a match-fixing scandal, CSK returned in 2018 with Dhoni as their captain. Despite the long hiatus and an aging squad, Dhoni's leadership revitalized the team's spirit. CSK won the IPL title that year, underscoring Dhoni's ability to foster a winning culture and extract the best from his players.

6. Handling Young Talent

Throughout his captaincy, Dhoni consistently demonstrated an adeptness at nurturing and developing young talents. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja blossomed under his guidance. Dhoni's ability to create an environment where young players felt comfortable, valued, and motivated to perform was a testament to his leadership approach.

7. Graceful Retirement

Dhoni's retirement from international cricket in 2020 showcased his humility and the impact he had on his teammates. Rather than a grand announcement, Dhoni quietly stepped away from the game, allowing the focus to remain on the team's future. This decision reflected his selflessness and his commitment to the team's success beyond his own career.

8. Supporting Teammates

Dhoni's support for his teammates was evident in numerous instances. He often shielded players from undue criticism, publicly defended them, and backed them during tough phases. His camaraderie with senior players and his approachability made him not just a captain but also a mentor figure for many.

9. Adapting Leadership Styles

Dhoni's leadership wasn't rigid; he adapted his approach based on the situation and the players involved. He seamlessly transitioned from guiding experienced players to nurturing young talent. This ability to flex his leadership style showcased his versatility and understanding of his team's dynamics.

10. Empowering Players

Dhoni's leadership style was characterized by empowerment. He allowed players to express themselves, make decisions on the field, and take ownership of their roles. This empowerment fostered a sense of responsibility and accountability within the team.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, MSD’s exceptional leadership skills shone through in various incidents throughout his career. His composure under pressure, decision-making acumen, ability to motivate and support teammates, and his capacity to handle adversity with grace make him a role model for leaders across domains. MSD’s legacy extends beyond the cricket field, serving as a source of inspiration for those seeking to lead with integrity, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.