Dhoni had a massive influence on world cricket, says Balaji

On August 15, Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket via a social media post, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning 16 years. “Since 2000, apart from Dhoni, nobody has had such an influence on not just Indian cricket but world cricket,” Balaji said on Star Sports 1 Tamil show ‘Cricket Connected - Aatam Thodarattum’.

“When someone hits the ball brutally or so hard, the bowler or the fielder will find it difficult to even keep their hands on it. I saw that for the first time when Dhoni batted. Even now, if 20+ runs are needed in the last over and if I had to pick someone, I would always go with Dhoni. Such is the impact he has (in a game),” he added.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Balaji further said that Dhoni’s leadership and batting styles are totally different. “He changed the perception of leadership among all captains. MSD controls his emotions on the field and maintains the team environment and camaraderie. He also leads the team successfully. Only he can do that.”

Balaji also spoke about his conversation with Dhoni during CSK’s practice session on August 15, the day the 39-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket. “After the practice gets over, I normally talk a lot to Dhoni about the wicket and playing conditions. That day, we finished practice and went inside.

“I did not realise that he had already put his retirement message at 7:29 pm. So, after posting the message, Dhoni walked up to me and casually told that he had asked the staff to water the ground more. I replied ‘okay’.

“And, I didn’t realise anything. It was a huge moment in his life. But, just like that, he moved on, and that is Dhoni for you. I finally realised he had announced his retirement. It took some time for me to sink in the moment. Dhoni will never stop no matter what the situation is, and will move on in his own style,” he revealed.

Over the years, MS Dhoni has won several hearts, both on and off the cricket field. An example of his humble nature was seen recently when Dhoni, en route to UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with his Chennai Super Kings teammates, swapped his business class seat with the franchise’s director George John.

Dhoni had done so as the passenger’s legs were ‘too long’ to fit in an economy class seat. George uploaded a video of the flight claiming the same. In the video, the former India captain is also seen having a chat with Suresh Raina and some of his other CSK teammates.

“When a man who’s seen it all and done it all in Cricket tells you, ‘Your legs are too long, sit in my seat (Business Class), I’ll sit in Economy.’ The skipper never fails to amaze me. @msdhoni,” the tweet read.