5 cricketers whose careers were shortened because of MS Dhoni

2. Gautam Gambhir

Virender Sehwag’s opening partner Gautam Gambhir was at the peak of his career when MS Dhoni took over the captaincy. In 2008 and 2009, Gambhir was unstoppable and scored runs all across the globe at a highly consistent rate. He was even the No.1 Test batsman during this time and provided the team with great starts.

His contribution in the 2011 World Cup final can never be undermined. However, post this tournament, just like many other cricketers, Gambhir’s career took a dip. In the one-dayers of the Australia tour in 2012, MS Dhoni decided to use the rotation policy initially. Only two of Sehwag, Sachin and Gambhir were included in the playing eleven.

He played 83 international innings after the mega-event in 2011 including a few under Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Gambhir, though, could only score 2,386 runs at an average of 30 and scored just two centuries. Thus, MS Dhoni was left with no option but to drop him from the team. Many accuse Dhoni of sacking Gambhir without a strong reason.