MS Dhoni Was A Strong, Silent Type As A Leader, Says Paddy Upton

It has been nine years to that epic April night of 2011 when Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni sent a Nuwan Kulasekara delivery into the long-on stands to help the cricket-mad nation realize their 28-year-old dream of becoming world champions. Coming into the 2011 World Cup as massive favorites, the Indian cricket team vindicated their tag and went on to become the first-ever country to win a World Cup on home soil.

India had suffered a blip in the group-stage when they lost to South Africa in Nagpur. But, the Dhoni-led Men in Blue proceeded to peak at just about the perfect time, defeating reigning champions Australia and arch-rivals Pakistan in the quarter-finals and semifinals respectively to set-up a date with Sri Lanka in the summit clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

India won three ICC titles under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and one of the prime reasons, apart from the obvious fact that he had a slew of match-winners in his side, was the incredible calmness that the charismatic captain ensured even in the most high-pressure situations. The fact that he had an equally calm and composed support staff led by Head Coach Gary Kirsten and strength and mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, only helped him and the team realize the ultimate dream.

Paddy Upton opens up on MS Dhoni’s Captaincy

Upton recently opened up on India’s 2011 World Cup triumph in an exclusive interview with Times of India where he talked about a variety of factors that contributed to that magnanimous night of April 02, including his views on MS Dhoni- the captain.

Upton reckoned that Dhoni was a strong yet silent type as a leader who led the team via his own performances, especially in high-pressure situations.

“Dhoni was a strong, silent type as a leader. He led through his own performances, often taking the team to victory in high-pressure situations with the bat. He also led by showing a calm head and demeanor during high-pressure moments. Dhoni being calm, particularly in these high-pressure moments, along with the coaching staff deliberately being calm and measured, set the tone and example for players to follow,” Paddy Upton said in an exclusive interview to Times of India.

MS Dhoni showed the facet that Upton alluded to, to the hilt in the finals when he promoted himself ahead of Yuvraj Singh and along with Gautam Gambhir [97] took the run-chase by the scruff of its neck, leading India to a six-wicket win.

Also Read: Paddy Upton Opens Up On How And When India’s 2011 World Cup Preparation Started