IPL 2024: MS Dhoni Or Sourav Ganguly? Parthiv Patel Shocks Everyone As He Picks His All Time Great Captain

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel chose Sourav Ganguly, the former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as his captain over MS Dhoni. Parthiv Patel also acknowledged the successful captaincies of Dhoni and Virat Kohli for India.

Patel, who debuted for India at the age of 17, played 15 Test matches and 10 ODIs under Ganguly’s captaincy. The left-handed batter also played for India during the captaincy of both Dhoni and Kohli. His last appearance for India was against South Africa in 2018.

We’ve Had A Lot Of Successful Captains – Parthiv Patel

During the 6th Advancement in Endourology Conference at the Forum Convention Centre, Parthiv Patel lauded Sourav Ganguly’s leadership qualities despite the presence of other successful captains like Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

“Today I would still choose Sourav Ganguly as my captain for sure. We’ve had a lot of successful captains Dhoni, Virat Kohli, everyone. But I would still choose Sourav. I think he had time for everyone though. Everyone else has been great captains as well. But I would still choose him,” Patel said.

Following the match-fixing scandal in 2000, Ganguly assumed the captaincy of India. Under his leadership, the team reached the finals of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy. India reached the World Cup Final in 2003 for the first time since 1983, but they lost to Australia.

The 38-year-old also played under MS Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Patel won the IPL title with CSK under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2010. He was part of the Mumbai Indians’ successful winning campaigns in 2015 and 2017. Additionally, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a few editions.

MS Dhoni Has Been Great – Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel expressed admiration for MS Dhoni, acknowledging his greatness as a captain but expressing a special affinity for his first captain. The southpaw highlighted that his performance decline led to Dhoni’s inclusion in Indian cricket.

“Of course, Dhoni’s been great. There is no doubt about it. But when your first captain, you always have a soft corner for him. And that’s exactly what I have. I’ve played for three years for Chennai Super Kings. I can say it, but I made my Test debut or a one-day debut before Dhoni came in. My performance went down. That’s why Dhoni got picked. So I think it is a credit to him. I always said it, but there is only one opportunity you get because there are so many players around,” he added.

MS Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings to success in various editions of the tournament. He guided the team to five trophies, equaling Rohit Sharma’s record in the tournament’s history. He will continue to lead the defending champions in the upcoming edition.

The 42-year-old became the captain before the T20 World Cup 2007 and guided the team to glory in his first assignment in ICC events. He led the Indian team to victory in the 2011 World Cup. Notably, India’s last ICC trophy win came under his leadership in 2013.

Also read: What Is The Biggest Problem For Team India Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024? Parthiv Patel Reveals