'Always thought I want to play like him' - MS Dhoni reveals Sachin Tendulkar as his favorite cricketer

MS Dhoni has retired from international cricket but remains one of the most popular personality in India. The former captain will be remembered by his millions of fans for his many memories across formats. Known for his brilliant leadership skills, Dhoni captainced India to T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, One-Day World Cup glory in 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. 

The wicketkeeper batter scored over 17000 runs in international cricket with the help of 16 centuries and 108 fifties. He remains the captain of one of the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) sides Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Many current crops of cricketers idolize the legendary captain but now MS Dhoni has revealed that his cricketing role model has always been Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar was a cricketing idol growing up: MS Dhoni

Dhoni was attending an event at the MS Dhoni Global School where he also inaugurated a new academy, the Super Kings Academy. CSK have posted a video of their captain talking about his role model on their official Twitter account and it's catching the internet. 

Even Thala’s favourite period is PT! 😉#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/t4MInuQhxu

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 13, 2022

“As a cricketing role model, it is always Sachin Tendulkar. I was exactly like you guys. Watched Sachin Tendulkar play and always thought I want to play like him. Later on, I realized I cannot play but inside, in my heart just wanted to play like him. So he was a cricketing idol growing up,” Dhoni said.

The crowd went crazy with applause when Dhoni mentioned Tendulkar's name. Later, one girl from the audience asked him about his favorite subject in school, to which Dhoni replied, "Does sport qualify as a subject?"

Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 when Sachin was at the peak of his career. Both the cricketing legends played together for the national team for nine years till Tendulkar's retirement in November 2013.