Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who played under the leadership of MS Dhoni between 2007 and 2013 has revealed something related to the Indian legend’s change in captaincy over the years.
Dhoni tasted success early in his career. Pathan described Dhoni’s approach towards captaincy in 2007 when he was first handed the responsibility and how the length of team meetings never changed ever since 2007.
“In 2007, it was the first time and you understand that when you are given a big responsibility of leading a team, you get excited, The team meetings were always small though, both in 2007 and 2013 during Champions Trophy, just 5 minutes meeting,” Pathan said on Star Sports’ ‘Cricket Connected’.
MS Dhoni evolved over the years – Irfan Pathan
He also talked about how Dhoni’s captaincy has evolved over the years. In 2007, he used to often run towards the bowlers in order to control them but by 2013 Dhoni started giving bowlers their own freedom. Irfan Pathan also revealed that he had become even calmer as years progressed.
“In 2007, he used to run from wicket-keeping to bowling end in excitement and try to control the bowler as well but by the time 2013 came he was letting the bowler control themselves”, said Irfan Pathan.
Irfan Pathan who played under Dhoni in Chennai Super Kings & Rising Pune Super Giants during the IPL also revealed how the captaincy tactics of Dhoni has changed over the years.
“In between 2007 and 2013 he gained the experience of trusting his slow bowlers and spinners and by the time Champions Trophy came, he was very clear that in crucial time he needs to get his spinners into play to win the games,” he said.
Under MS Dhoni’s tenure, India won the 2007 World T20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, he has not played a single game ever since the New Zealand encounter in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final. He will be making a comeback for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL later this year.