The former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, who had previously made critical remarks about MS Dhoni many times and accused him of cutting short his son Yuvraj Singh’s career, has now shifted his stance and praised Dhoni for his fearless leadership.
In a recent video interview, Yograj Singh shared his thoughts on MS Dhoni, whom he described as a highly motivated and fearless leader. He spoke of Dhoni’s unwavering determination on the field, recalling a moment that showcased the former skipper’s mental fortitude.
Yograj Singh recounted an incident when Dhoni was struck on the helmet by a fierce bouncer from Australia’s Mitchell Johnson but remained unfazed, responding with aggressive batting.
He said, “I find Dhoni as a very motivated captain who can tell people what to do. The best thing about him was that he is a fearless man. If you remember against Australia, he was hit on the grill by Mitchell Johnson; he hit here and he stood like this and the next ball pulled him for a six.”
Here is the video:
https://x.com/mahixcavi7/status/1878373311341895767
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The incident he referred to occurred during the second ODI between India and Australia in Nagpur in 2009. Facing Johnson, Dhoni deflected a delivery for a single but collided with the pacer while completing the run, leading to a tense exchange. Dhoni, typically known for his calm demeanor, responded with a piercing death stare at Johnson. Undeterred, Dhoni continued his innings and scored a remarkable 124 off 107 balls. Gautam Gambhir contributed 76 runs while Suresh Raina added 62, helping India post a commanding total of 354 runs. The Australian team faltered in their chase, bowled out for just 255, handing India a comprehensive 99-run victory.
MS Dhoni’s career as captain remains one of the most illustrious in Indian cricket history. He led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, making him the only captain to have won all the three ICC trophies. Even after retiring from international cricket, his tactical acumen continues to make him a valuable presence in the cricketing world, reflecting his enduring legacy as one of the most successful leaders of cricket.
