Matthew Hayden, a former Australian cricket player thinks that MS Dhoni’s leadership attributes and his selfless nature could make him even captain the Australian cricket team if possible.
Hayden played under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the IPL teams. Where he emphasized on his modesty and putting his team first as the main differentiators.
“The same as I said before, he is in fact an Aussie. He can sit comfortably among others in an Australian dressing room and also captain them because he doesn’t think anyone is bigger than himself. He’ll do your bags for you, he’ll throw balls for you to hit. He’s just a very humble chap. And he works hard at the team rather than promoting MS Dhoni,” Hayden tells Sports Vikatan. Hayden was part of CSK’s first IPL-winning squad and says Dhoni has a way with bringing people together without hogging all the attention.
“He never goes around saying how great he is or what all things he has done; that’s MS Dhoni’s X-factor. You look at Australia and go ’25 million people. How did they win the World Cup against us?’ MS Dhoni…he just finds a way to galvanize people together and does it in a way that is nothing about ego. Not about self-promotion,” Hayden further added.
Since retiring from international cricket in August 2020. Dhoni has continued to lead CSK with distinction, adding two more IPL titles to his name in 2021 and 2023. Bringing the team’s total to five. According to Hayden, this popularity and success have come from MSD’s modest beginnings coupled with an unwavering dedication towards the side.
“From a small village into India’s heartland especially Chennai Thala will forever be known as the franchise’s iconic leader. But just to hear him saying how great he is… you don’t even hear this from MS Dhoni. And that’s his charm. Team before anyone and everyone loves that,” Hayden noted.
Dhoni’s legacy as a captain and player continues to inspire. With his unique blend of humility, leadership, and strategic acumen earning him admiration worldwide.
