MSK Prasad reveals an interesting anecdote involving MS Dhoni

MSK Prasad has taken over as the selection committee head this year, but for quite a while, he worked as an assistant to Sandeep Patil. But his work ethic earned him a well-deserved promotion and he shared an interesting story that took place during the 2016 Asia Cup at the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association (TNSJA) annual awards on Sunday.

India was about to face off against arch rivals Pakistan but a serious concern ruined MSK Prasad’s sleep. Indian skipper (then) MS Dhoni suffered an injury whilst training for the game and there was a lot of skepticism surrounding his participation in the game.

“While training at the gym late in the night, Dhoni picked up weights and suddenly there was a catch in his back and fell with the weight. Thankfully, the weight did not fall on him. He could not walk, he was literally crawling. He pressed the alarm bell, and the medical staff immediately came and attended him. He was taken on a stretcher,” Prasad recollected.

We gave no answer to the Journalists

He also said that there was no answer given to the journalists regarding his fitness and that sparked a row on social media. He then revealed what happened between Dhoni and Prasad two days before the big game. A concerned Prasad apparently called up the selection committee chief (then) Sandeep Patil to inform about Dhoni’s vulnerable state and Parthiv Patel landed in Bangladesh the next day.

“So, I went to Dhoni’s room to know what the issue was. He said, ‘don’t worry MSK bhai.’ I even asked him what should I tell the scribes, and the answer again was ‘don’t worry MSK bhai.’ I asked him whether we should call for a replacement, and he again told me not to worry,” Prasad said.

“There was so much pressure before a big match. The next morning I went to his room and he told me not to worry. But I felt things were not right. (As a selector) I couldn’t take Dhoni’s words for granted, so I called up the then chief selector Sandeep Patil and told him the situation. Immediately, Parthiv Patel was sent in as a replacement. By evening, Parthiv had joined the team,” Prasad revealed.

He was walking with great difficulty

He also recalled the moment when Dhoni was walking towards a swimming pool inside the hotel with great difficulty. Prasad said Dhoni was in no condition to play the game, but what transpired later spoke volumes about the legend’s character and he explained why Dhoni is an inspiration to millions.

“Dhoni said he was trying to walk. I was thinking how could he even think of playing when he could barely walk. Dhoni looked at me and said, ‘don’t worry, you have anyway got Parthiv without telling me. So, you are safe.

“Before the team was announced in the afternoon, Dhoni was all dressed up for the game. He called me to his room and asked me why was I worrying so much? Then he said, even if my one leg is not there, I will still play against Pakistan,” Prasad said. He conluded his speech telling that is what Dhoni is made off and great players don’t make excuses no matter what the situation is.