The Mahi Way!

 

 

Cool as a cucumber, and yet simmering with Vesuvian passion, India’s ‘Captain Cool’ is positivity personified. Just before embarking for the T20 battle with the indomitable Aussies at the Brabourne Stadium, Mahendra Singh Dhoni took time out from an intense pre-match meeting with his world-beating team and revealed almost all to TSI

Before the T20 World Cup, you’d said that there were no expectations from the team and so there was no pressure. But now that you have the Cup, is the pressure more intense?

Well it has never been about pressure but about enjoying the game. I believe in giving my 100% and try and ensure that the team gives 100%. But more importantly, I always want my team to enjoy the game.

How did your parents react when you were made the Captain? Did you ever dream of getting this far?

(Smiles...) I never got to see their reaction. They weren’t around when I was announced as the captain and I don’t like discussing cricket with them when I go back home. Honestly, I’d never imagined that I would come this far. I pursued cricket for sheer love of the game and eventually things fell in place.

How did cricket happen, especially wicket keeping?

I played badminton and football at the state level. In football I was doing a good job as a goal keeper but the school team needed a wicket keeper and I was asked to try out. Well, things started rolling from there.

Even if not great individual players, the Australians always form a great team. How is the Australian system different from the Indian system?

Well, I don’t know! I haven’t been to Australia so don’t know much about their domestic cricket structure. But Australia is the best team in the world right now. They are the benchmark... They do their basics right... They are more consistent with their line, and great in the field and between the wickets. As a team, they are ahead of us right now.

Are you more comfortable leading a Twenty20 side or an ODI side?

(Pauses... smiles...) Both are fun. Twenty20 is more demanding in the sense that it is not even half as long but demands almost 70% as much effort.

Does the presence of the Big three make a big difference to the team?

Of course it does... They have played about 1200 matches between them and have consistently proven themselves at the international level. There are no replacements for them and yes, their presence surely has an impact.

Would you accept the Test captaincy if it is offered to you?

At the moment, I’m not thinking about this. I’m looking forward to today’s match and doing my best the one day internationals and the other matches to come.

Is captaining the Indian cricket team the toughest job in world cricket?

Yes definitely! It is the toughest job because every decision is under scrutiny. Every action commented upon and suggestions pour in from all directions.

Is it difficult taking decisions on the field with a team that has three ex-captains?

On the contrary, the captain is usually preoccupied with many other things so suggestions help a lot and suggestions always come up... But ultimately it’s my decision... Finally, it’s my call.

With a bat in your hand, you seem fearless, but are there bowlers who have troubled you consistently?

There are quite a few actually... Muralitharan, Shane Bond, Mc Grath... It’s actually more to do with a particular day... On that day, whoever bowls well, comes across as difficult.

T20 was said to be all about strength and athleticism and that the Occidental teams would dominate T20, and yet the final was played between two Asian teams.

(smiles...) That I guess said it all...

Much has been said about your physical strength. How would you rate yourself against hulks like Symonds, Hayden, and Peitersen?

I think it’s all about having the ability to consistently hit the ball beyond the boundary... But cricket isn’t all about power. If it was, then WWE wrestlers would be playing cricket! Australia makes it a practice to target individuals in a team. Are you going ahead with the same game plan for the Pakistan Series?

We target the whole team and target to win. Yes, we might have particular plans for particular players but that is for the team to know...

Do you think the rule- Pay as per performance will improve the performance of the players? Would it motivate you?

A person either plays for fame, for his team, passion for the game or out of love for the country. If neither of these work, then money will. I play because I’m passionate about the sport and for fame.

There is a lot of talk about you and Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. Your fans are very curious...

(Laughs). First I read about Deepika and me and then about Priyanka and me. The media keeps making stories, even I am confused (laughs). Someone please ask me...

So I’m asking you...

Well, it’s personal isn’t it! Letting it out will make it public. (Laughs)

What is your choicest possession?

I love my dogs - a German shepherd, Sam, and the other a black Labrador, Zara.

...And the most cherished relationship?

My relationship with my parents is what I cherish the most.

From Ganguly to Dravid. captaincy has always affected the captain’s form. How do you plan to counter this possibility?

It’s all about doing your job well. Right now I’m enjoying this responsibility which is very demanding and requires a lot of involvement. For now, I just plan to enjoy whatever I do and ensure the same with my boys.

Indian crowds have extreme reactions. Is there a message for them?

Such extreme reactions are obviously not justified. All I would say is that we should all enjoy the sport. Wins and losses are all a part of the package.

Any favourites in the team?

All of them. But Tendulkar is special. If cricket is a religion, Tendulkar is God. Since childhood, I’ve looked up to him

Are there any milestones that you want to achieve before you retire?

No, not really. I don’t play for records. I just enjoy every match and want my team to do well.

Who is your favourite actress?

I like all of them. Amitabh Bachhan and John Abraham are my favourite actors.

Of course, but what about the actresses?

(Laughs) all of them, all of them are good.

Do you have any plans of going the Bollywood way or joining politics?

Politics? Not at all! (Laughs)

All the best for the future. Thanks a lot for taking out time.

It was a pleasure. Hope I live up to everyone’s expectations. The skipper’s message-board

Atul Wasan

Coming from a small city and becoming a global icon is like setting a bench mark. He is an achiever but making him the captain for the Test series will be putting too much pressure on him. Good luck and keep making us proud.

Sandhya Mridul

Dhoni deserves all that admiration. Under his captaincy, the players have that fire in their belly. I think Rahul Dravid lacked aggression whereas Dhoni is a rare combination of composure and aggression.

Mandira Bedi

Dhoni has shown tremendous strength and confidence. What he has done at this age is truly appreciated and worthy of applause.

Cyrus Sahukar

I believe Dhoni has proved himself. He has done well, led well and also isn’t vociferous about his success. He is young yet mature and so deserves a chance to prove himself as the Test Captain too.