The former bowling all-rounder, Irfan Pathan reveals Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former captain of the Indian Cricket team who led two ICC trophy victories both in 2007 and 2013, changed as a captain over the six years.
Irfan Pathan who was a member of Indian Cricket team and won both the ICC trophies, opened up about the former Indian captain. Sharing his inight about the journey, the Indian team's skipper and batsman MS Dhoni, at first was extremely excited about being the captain of the Indian team, however, over with passing time he grew calmer and understood his responsibilities better.
On Star Sports Cricket Connected, Irfan was asked what difference could he notice in MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2013, to which he said, "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."
He continues, "The team meetings were always small though, both in 2007 and 2013 during Champions Trophy, just 5 minutes meeting. The one thing which changed was when young MS Dhoni became a captain in 2007, he used to run from wicketkeeping 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 rather he controlling them. He was very calm and in control."
MS Dhoni trusted his spin bowlers and believed they could win matches for the team, said Irfan Pathan. Further, he added, "Between 2007 and 2013 he gained the experience of trusting his slow bowlers and spinner 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."
Irfan Pathan announced his retirement from cricket this year, he was a member of both the 2007 World Cup-winning team and the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team.
MS Dhoni is considered to be the only cricketer who won all the ICC trophies under his captaincy. During MS Dhoni's regime, the Indian Cricket team won 2007 ICC World Twenty20, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and 2010 & 2016 Asian Cups.