‘Always wanted to play like him but couldn’t’- MS Dhoni on emulating Sachin Tendulkar’s batting style

Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to hoard limelights even after retiring from international cricket two years ago. The ‘captain-cool’ has had a glittering career in which he won every major event including the 20-20 World Cup in 2007, ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Known for his unconventional batting technique, Dhoni rose to the cricketing pinnacle with hard-hitting and quick running between the wickets. The Ranchi-born batter had a unique style which was in stark contrast to how cricketing textbooks taught.

In a recent interaction with students at the MS Dhoni Global School, the legendary captain revealed that he was a fan of Sachin Tendulkar and wanted to bat like him.

Here’s the video: 

“As a cricketing role model, it has always been Sachin Tendulkar. I was exactly like you guys, I used to watch Sachin Tendulkar play and always thought that I want to play like him. Later on I realised that I can’t play like but in my heart I always wanted to play like him. He was a cricketing idol growing up,” said Dhoni.

Greatness recognises greatness

Dhoni and Tendulkar played for more than a decade with each other. The two often batted together showing different styles from different ends. Their partnership also brought about innumerable successes on the cricket field, with the World Cup win in 2011 being the biggest triumph.

Naturally, both have immense respect for each other. Sachin has always been in high praise for the former captain and has spoken well of him.

“He [Dhoni] is the best captain I have played under,” Tendulkar said in Mumbai. “He is very sharp and always alert. He reads the situation well and is open to sharing ideas. He always has discussions with bowlers, batsmen and senior players separately. He is always calm and never shows his frustration. These are some of the human qualities which have made him such a good captain. He is a fantastic captain.”