MSD is everywhere post CWC2011

After India won the 2011 World Cup, MS Dhoni seems to be in news all over the place - for good reasons. His match-winning performance in the final when the team required it desperately, has won praise from all quarters. Other than the batting, his captaincy that ensured his dream became true, has made several players his fan. Rewards are pouring in from everywhere and he seems to be covered on road (Hyundai), train (Railways), air (Kingfisher). But, monetary rewards are not what MSD will look forward to - he has enough in his bank and more to come from future engagements. How did the yesteryear greats rate him?

First, it was Sachin Tendulkar who praised MSD as the best captain he had played under, for his sharp mind and calm demeanor. Sourav Ganguly also rated Dhoni as the greatest Indian captain in all three formats - high praise from a person whose record is not bad as the leader. Ian Chappell, known for his captaincy skills, also mentioned that Dhoni was among the greats like Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Mark Taylor - with moderate attacks, he was able to steer his team to the title (his performance in the final being the icing on the cake). The person himself, was pleased to hear from Sachin and said that he was also trying to serve the country like Tendulkar - the words he uses in the press conference gives an insight to the person. He so easily could have spoken about breaking records (if that is possible) about longevity or on the batting front but he was more concerned about serving the country - very humble indeed.

TOI has done an exciting analysis about the personalities of the Indian players - MS Dhoni falls in Type 3 (Virat Kohli also of similar type). The description given is so true of Dhoni

Optimistic, adaptable, success-oriented, self-assured, and charming. They can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. Consequently, they can be impatient and image-driven. They seek to be loved for performance and achievement. Masters at appearances-they are able to recover quickly from setbacks and charge ahead to the next challenge, staying informed, knowing what's going on, competent and able to get things to work efficiently and motivate others.

This is as good an analysis of Dhoni as one can be. Doesn't this say a lot of the person and how he reacts on and off the field? If that was not enough - look at how Gary Kirsten rates Dhoni as a captain?

He leads by example. He always gives the team a 100% of his effort and his energy. He never loses his temper. He is a great strategist. He has got fantastic ideas on the field. And he canvasses opinions and then he makes his own assessments. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. I think he takes that responsibility full-on on the field. He expects the coach to take the responsibility to prepare the team for him, and he leaves that to me 100%. We really combine well in terms of our dual responsibilities as leaders of the team.

Again, great words from the outgoing coach. Some insights into the man that one does not get to see in public. It is high time, he became the subject of a management topic - so much has been achieved by the team with him at the helm in such a short time. No wonder, he is the darling of the nation.

Imran Khan remarked that there are captains and there are leaders, MS Dhoni is a Leader. Period.