MS Dhoni is like a teacher claims former Indian coach

MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains in modern-day cricket and is also known for his creative and positive team environment and mentoring style.

Former Team India coach R Sridhar compared MS Dhoni's leadership style to the teachings of the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita.

The Jharkhand-born cricketer led the Men in Blue to victory in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, where his team defeated Pakistan by five runs in the final.

It was Dhoni's first ICC trophy win as captain, who went on to win the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

MS Dhoni Is A Great Teacher - R Sridhar

MS Dhoni is known for his ability to remain calm under pressure in cricket matches. Sridhar recalled that Dhoni advised his team to "never want anything too much." The former Indian coach said Dhoni suggested a "detached attachment" approach.

"MS is a great teacher without attempting to be one. One of the many messages he sent out that made a deep impact on me was to never want anything too much. His philosophy was simple: when you want something too much or too badly, you get attached to it," Sridhar stated in his book.

"Once that happens, emotion comes between you and what you are trying to achieve. His view was that if you want something too much, you should find a way of letting go of it and strike a middle path where you develop a detached attachment. That was something he often stressed during team meetings," he added.

Ex-ICT Coach R Sridhar :

The more I read Bhagavad Gita now that I'm going through and delve into it, the more I can now in hindsight connect MS Dhoni's leadership to Bhagavad Gita. Honestly, he completely operated like that.

Message is clear, THALA is GOD! pic.twitter.com/VMpbQK8EFn

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) September 3, 2024

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. His last appearance for India was in the semi-final against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2019.

He continued to represent the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his international retirement.

This Is My Perspective - R Sridhar

R Sridhar said that MS Dhoni’s leadership style closely aligns with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. He added that Dhoni’s detachment from outcomes is similar to what is written in the Bhagavad Gita.

"That is my perspective of what I saw of MS in those years. That is how he operated," explained Sridhar.

"The more I read Bhagavad Gita now that I'm going through and delving into it, the more I can now, in hindsight, connect MS Dhoni's leadership to Bhagavad Gita. Honestly, he completely operated like that," he added.

Dhoni will focus more on the process rather than thinking about the results. The 43-year-old guided the Chennai Super Kings to a record-equaling five IPL titles.

Dhoni was seen with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Mumbai two days after leading the Super Kings to their fifth title.

The former CSK skipper is yet to provide clarity on his participation in the IPL 2025.

He will make his final decision before the IPL 2025 mega auction, expected to take place later this year. He was retained for Rs 12 crore as CSK's second retention ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction.

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