Shardul Thakur Talks About MS Dhoni's Influential Behaviour On His Career

Indian allrounder Shardul Thakur recently shed light on the distinctive mentorship style of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Thakur, who has had the privilege of playing under Dhoni's leadership for both the Indian national team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared valuable insights into Dhoni's unique approach to nurturing talent and fostering independence among his teammates. Dhoni, renowned for being the only captain to have won all three ICC trophies—the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy—has had a profound impact on Indian cricket. His leadership extends beyond international cricket to the IPL, where his tenure with CSK has been equally impressive, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire in various formats.

Thakur highlighted how Dhoni's mentorship goes beyond traditional coaching methods. Dhoni’s approach involves empowering his players, giving them the freedom to express themselves while providing subtle guidance and support. This style not only helps in building confidence but also encourages players to take ownership of their roles. Thakur’s experiences under Dhoni's captaincy illustrate how the legendary cricketer’s leadership style has shaped not only his career but also the broader dynamics of the teams he has led.

"Playing with him has always been special because he allows us to grow. He allows us to come up with our own plan. So he will never spoon-feed us. He will say, 'Tomorrow I might not be available behind the wickets. What will you do? Go back to your room, think about your game, and come up with your plans, if it doesn't work then I will intervene," Indian pacer Shardul Thakur told media at an event.

Shardul Thakur recently reflected on his successful partnership with MS Dhoni, emphasizing their productive collaboration, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Throughout 71 innings in the IPL, Dhoni, as a wicketkeeper, has been directly involved in 14 of Thakur's dismissals. This impressive synergy highlights their effective teamwork on the field. In contrast, their appearances together for the Indian national team have been less frequent, with Dhoni involved in only two of Thakur's dismissals across seven matches.

Thakur also acknowledged Dhoni's significant impact on Indian cricket beyond their personal association. He credited the legendary wicketkeeper for his pivotal role in nurturing young talent, noting how Dhoni has been instrumental in the development of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Thakur pointed out that Dhoni's support during critical phases of their careers has been crucial in shaping their success. By backing emerging players and providing them with confidence and opportunities, Dhoni has greatly influenced their growth and performance.

Overall, Thakur's insights reveal the depth of Dhoni's mentorship and leadership, not only in their professional interactions but also in his broader contributions to the Indian cricketing landscape. Dhoni's ability to foster talent and guide players through important stages of their careers has left a lasting impact on the sport.

"The legacy that he has left behind, three ICC Trophies, grooming so many youngsters. Even the current greats I would say, Virat, and Rohit, everyone in their life had a time where they could have been dropped. But the great MS Dhoni backed them and what they did after 2012 onwards up until now," Thakur concluded.