5 Senior Players Whose Career Got Affected During MS Dhoni's Tenure As Captain

The former India skipper MS Dhoni, has been one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket. Under his leadership, the Men in Blues has clinched three ICC trophies – the only captain to achieve this feat. On the contrary, there is a perception that during Dhoni’s tenure as a captain, several senior cricketers lost their place in the playing XI.

Despite taking Indian cricket to new heights, Dhoni during his decision-making and proposal for the future had committed some mistakes. He has overlooked some legendary cricketers to give opportunities to the youngsters which have somewhat benefitted the Indian team in the long run.

Here is the list of five senior players whose career suffered a setback during the tenure of MS Dhoni:

Also read: 5 Deserving Indian Players Who Failed To Make The Cut For West Indies ODIs

VIRENDER SEHWAG

Virender Sehwag was one of the best openers, Indian cricket has ever witnessed. His aggressive approach in all the formats gave nightmares to the bowlers. His partnership with Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the innings made India one of the dominant force during that period.

The Nawab of Nazafgarh made significant contributions during the 2011 World Cup alongside Tendulkar as India ended their 28 years barren run in the tournament. However, post the World Cup, Sehwag lost the midas touch, and the selectors along with MS Dhoni sidelined him from the playing XI.

Sehwag announced his retirement in 2015 before taking up coaching duties in the IPL.

YUVRAJ SINGH

Yuvraj Singh has been the poster boy of Indian cricket till their World Cup victory in 2011 after 28 years. The Punjab-born cricketer battled cancer to help India lift the trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He contributed significantly with both bat and ball to win the player of the tournament award.

But the comeback road from injury was full of thorns for Yuvraj as he didn’t get an extended run to cement his place in the playing XI. Many including Yuvraj’s father Yograj Singh blamed MS Dhoni for the same who was the skipper of the side then.

Yuvraj who played 304 ODIs, 58 T20Is and 40 Tests announced his retirement from international cricket last month.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR

The former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir played crucial knocks to help India lift the World T20 in 2008 and ICC World Cup 2011 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. The southpaw was a prolific run-scorer and scored consistently during the 2008-09 period.

He made a lethal pair alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar. However, things took a wrong turn post the World Cup win as Dhoni relied more on the rotation policy. Gambhir lost the confidence of the skipper, and with young guns like Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan firing at the top, he didn’t return to the India squad again mainly in the ODIs.

Gambhir finally announced his retirement in 2018 and joined politics and recently won the Lok Sabha election on Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.

DINESH KARTHIK

Dinesh Karthik was a contemporary to MS Dhoni and made their international debut in the same year. But the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer managed to play only 94 ODI in his 15 years of international career. Many thought Karthik to be India’s premier wicket-keeper, but Dhoni’s emergence sidelined him.

Despite scoring heavily in the domestic cricket, Karthik remained as the second option to Dhoni. Otherwise, he played only as a batsman and failed to get an extended run in the ODI team which didn’t favour him.

Karthik was in the ICC World Cup squad but managed to play only three games without making any impact.

Also read: Five Things Fans Will Miss If MS Dhoni Retires

HARBHAJAN SINGH

The veteran off-spinner achieved greater for his determination and passion to play for India. Partnering with Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh has won his country many matches. Besides, he has also helped the young cricketers with his technical acumen. The Punjab-born cricketer played a significant role during India’s World Cup campaign in 2011.

Meanwhile, with young spinners coming up the ranks especially Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan went off the radar. The emergence of Ravindra Jadeja also compelled the selectors to prefer young blood with the consent of MS Dhoni. Harbhajan last played for India in a T20I game in 2016.

The off-spinner is yet to announce his retirement and now represent Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Also read: MS Dhoni Makes Himself Unavailable For The West Indies Tour