Dhoni greatest ever white ball captain, says Nasser Hussain

MS Dhoni has been one of the mainstays of the Indian cricket team. He has been instrumental in shaping the Indian team in a way it is at the moment. Dhoni certainly shocked many when he suddenly stepped down as the limited overs captain of the Indian team. However, the man has left a legacy behind him and the numbers that will be very difficult for any captain to match in the future. On his decision, some of the legends of the game gave their opinions recently.

Former English captain Nasser Hussain, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and former Australia captain Michael Clarke recently spoke to India Today as they expressed their emotions on MSD. Nasser mentioned that he was totally surprised with the decision. However, he added that if Dhoni made that call then it would surely be a result of thorough thoughts and introspection. He hinted that even Alastair Cook must align himself on the same lines as Dhoni.

“I am a little surprised (by Dhoni’s decision). But if Dhoni has had enough as a captain, Sourav Ganguly will tell you, Michael Clarke will tell you… when you know it… that feeling, it suddenly hits you then you can’t do the job anymore. He has done it for nine years. It is remarkable, especially in Indian cricket, nine years is a long, long time. The expectations, the pressure, even if you are the ‘ice man’ that is Dhoni, it eventually catches up with you. So, if he feels he can’t do it anymore, then 100 percent. I have said that about Alastair Cook.. if you feel you can’t do it anymore then you must pass the baton on to the next man,” quoted Nasser Hussain.

He further hailed Dhoni as the greatest captain ever in limited-overs cricket, not just in India but in world. “I think he has done the right thing for himself and for Indian cricket. His legacy for me is I think he is the greatest-ever white ball captain. Not only in India but around the world. Only Ricky Ponting probably to have an argument with Dhoni about the greatest-ever white ball captain. His calmness under pressure has been absolutely amazing over the years,” Hussain added further.

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly reiterated on the same lines as he cited how Dhoni won all major ICC trophies. He showered praise on him as well.

He quoted, “Remarkable. His record in one-day cricket is terrific, winning all the three ICC trophies (2007 WT20, 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy) is a phenomenal achievement and I don’t think it will be easy for anybody to match that. His performances have been remarkable, he has had a great tenure as captain and that’s why he has been captain for nine years. He has done terrific for India.”

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke opined that Dhoni will go down as one of the best captains of India in the history of the game. He commended the approach MS had in all formats of the game. For captaining a team like India where there is so much pressure and passion, Dhoni’s work is only worth an applause.

“He will go down as one of India’s all-time great captains for his leadership skills. I liked his aggressive approach as captain always trying to win the game. The way he played in both one day and Test cricket was phenomenal. He led the country pretty well. A lot of people don’t understand captaining any country is hard, but I can only imagine how much harder it is in India with all the passion and pressure. MS Dhoni deserves so much credit for how well a captain he’s been. Also he’s played the game in the right way,” Clarke quoted.