File photo of MS Dhoni.© BCCI
The jersey number 7 in the field of cricket holds a special significance for the Indian fans. It is a number worn by the legendary captain MS Dhoni on the ground. Be it representing India or his franchise Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni was always seen donning the number 7 on his back. Though he has retired from international cricket for more than three years now, Dhoni continues his love affair with the number in the India Premier League (IPL). In a recent event, the player revealed his connection with the number.
“Why was 7 important to you? Was this the time that your parent wanted you to come home by?” the anchor asked MS Dhoni.
“No. That is the time or day my parents decided I will come on earth. I was born on the 7th Of July. So July again the seventh month. 81 was the year so 8-1 is 7. So it was very easy for me to just go out there when they ask me ‘what number do you want’,” said Dhoni at a promotional event.
Just Thala Dhoni being Thala Dhoni !! #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu #Dhoni @msdhoni
via @/single.id pic.twitter.com/Y68CqES6h3” TEAM MS DHONI #Dhoni (@imDhoni_fc) February 10, 2024
Dhoni is the only captain to have won all major white-ball tournaments of ICC – the T20 World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Along with Rohit Sharma, Dhoni is the most successful captain in the IPL. Both have won five IPL titles each.
MS Dhoni’s captaincy and man management skills are part of cricket’s urban legend, and the former India skipper on Friday said earning respect and loyalty of players with deeds formed the primary layer of leadership.
Under Dhoni, India had won two World Cups and a Champions Trophy besides reaching the top of ICC Test rankings for the first time.
“Loyalty has a lot to do with the respect factor. When you talk about the dressing room, unless the support staff or players respect you, it is difficult to get that loyalty,” said Dhoni in a function organised by Single.ID as quoted by PTI.
Dhoni also said the respect for a leader comes from his deeds rather than words.
(With PTI Inputs)
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