MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper and former captain of the Indian cricket team, believes that respect cannot be commanded or demanded but must be earned. He highlights that a captain gains respect through their actions and behaviour, especially during tough times. At 42, Dhoni is one of cricket’s most celebrated captains, having led India to victory in all major ICC white-ball tournaments.
He won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Additionally, Dhoni has had immense success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the Chennai Super Kings to five titles and winning two Champions League T20 (CLT20) titles.
Dhoni’s achievements on the field have earned him widespread admiration, but he stresses that true respect comes from how a leader handles themselves during challenging moments. He suggests that a captain’s demeanor and conduct, especially when the team is facing defeats or difficulties, are crucial in earning the respect of their teammates and others.
“You lead by example through ups and downs because when you are successful it’s very easy to say this is what we do but when times are tough is the real-time and you have to walk that talk – in those moments if you are still the same, that time you earn the respect,” MS Dhoni said in a video posted by Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel.
Dhoni’s Season Highlights: Impressive Stats and Insights on Earning Respect
During the season, Dhoni has scored 161 runs in 11 innings across 14 matches, achieving a strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.67. “The important thing is that you need to earn the respect of the people you are leading. You cannot command or demand respect, it has to be earned. I may have a position in the institution and it needs to be respected.”
“But I as an individual, sitting on that chair, need to earn that respect. I can’t be saying you need to respect me because I’m sitting on this chair,” he added.
CSK’s hopes of reaching the playoffs were ended on Saturday after their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Dhoni batted for around four overs in the match, scoring 25 runs with a strike rate of 192.31.
Following the disappointing loss, fans and media eagerly awaited Dhoni’s comments on his future, but he remained silent, leaving everyone in suspense. Dhoni, who shares the record for the most IPL titles with Rohit Sharma, having won five championships each, had passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the 2024 IPL season.
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