‘MSD doesn’t divulge plans before an announcement’

Instead of coming out with an official statement, Dhoni went the unorthodox way once again, making his decision known through an Instagram post. Even while announcing his Test retirement midway through the tour of Australia in 2014-15, the 2011 World Cup-winning skipper tried his best to keep it lowkey.

RN Baba, who was the India cricket team’s media manager when Dhoni quit the longest format, revealed that MSD doesn’t divulge plans even to his family members. “He doesn’t generally reveal anything before making an announcement. He doesn’t share or discuss things with others. He has his own little space,” said Baba.

“He doesn’t even use his mobile phone much (for communication). Even his relatives wait for a while to talk to him. Only in the recent years, he has been a little active on social media via his admin. He just loves playing games on electronic devices,” added Baba, who had a four-year stint with India, between 2012 and 2015.

MSD shared a great bond with Baba so much so that the latter was the first person to know about the former’s decision to retire from Test matches. Recalling the instance, he said: “When we were walking towards the media room for a press conference after the third Test, he told me about it. He then called up a BCCI official and informed him. Dhoni also requested me not to reveal it to the media (that was present at the Melbourne Cricket Ground).

“Once the press meet was done that day, we came back to the dressing room. He then told the players and staff about his decision. Only after that, a media statement was released by BCCI.” Baba, a great friend of Dhoni off the field as well, termed the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman a gem. “You cannot compare him with anyone. He is a great human being who respects everyone,” remarked Baba.