Top 3 decisions by MS Dhoni that changed the face of Indian cricket

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is hailed as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game. Labelled as a great leader, MS Dhoni is the only captain to win all three major trophies for India.

After Sachin Tendulkar suggested his name for captaincy, MS Dhoni changed the fortunes of Indian Cricket. The former Indian wicket-keeper announced his retirement from International cricket in the year 2020. 

In this article, we recall three of his best decisions as captain that changed the face of Indian cricket forever. 

1) Joginder Sharma’s final over at the 20-20 World Cup 2007: 

Joginder Sharma was given the final over at the 20-20 World Cup 2007 by MS Dhoni. Dhoni proved the critics right. (Image Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni was given a big assignment right after he wore the captaincy hat. He was given the responsibility to lead India in the inaugural 20-20 World Cup in 2007. Joginder Sharma, who was part of the World Cup squad, was considered as one of the better medium-fast bowlers at the time.

India locked horns with Pakistan in the final of the 20-20 World Cup 2007. The year that no one can forget as India got thrashed out of the 50-over World Cup in the group stage itself. MS Dhoni and Co. cheered the fans up after reaching the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup.

With 13 required off the last over in the final, Dhoni handed over the ball to Joginder Sharma. India needed only 1 wicket to win and Misbah perished to Sharma as he tried to play a scoop over fine-leg. India, eventually, won the World Cup and history was created.

2) Rohit Sharma – the opener:

Rohit Sharma was made the opener in 2013 Champions Trophy. MS Dhoni's decision changed the life of Rohit Sharma. (Image Source: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma made his debut well ahead of Virat Kohli. The batter played well in the 20-20 World Cup 2007. However, he struggled during his initial years as a middle-order batter. He never looked comfortable in that position and even missed out of the 50-over 2011 World Cup squad.  

In the 2013 Champions Trophy, Dhoni's decision to send Rohit Sharma to open the innings changed the latter's fortunes. The former captain sent Rohit Sharma as an opener alongside Shikhar Dhawan. The duo went on to put numerous hundred-run partnerships together.

Rohit Sharma, the opener, evolved to become one of the greatest openers for India. Rohit Sharma scored 5 centuries in the 2019 World Cup and became the only player to score five centuries in a single World Cup.

3) Virat Kohli – the skipper:

Virat Kohli was made the test captain right after Dhoni's retirment. He became an all-format captain later. Kohli went to become the greatest test captain ever for India. (Image Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni announced a sudden retirement from Tests on the 2014 Australian tour. And upon his suggestion, Virat Kohli was immediately made the skipper. Before his retirement, when Dhoni was rested for a few series, it was Virat Kohli who led the team.

Needless to say, until he was removed from captaincy recently, Virat Kohli took India to great heights. He went down as the most successful skipper in India's Test cricket history.