Watch: 'In my heart, I always wanted to play like him'- MS Dhoni reveals his Cricketing idol growing up

MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni has been an idol for many young and aspiring cricketers. Arguably one of the best cricketers to have donned the blue Indian jersey, Dhoni has now revealed his idol while growing up. He was one of many youngsters in the country in the late 1990s who got to see the best of Sachin Tendulkar and idolised the batting legend.

In a recent interaction with students at the MS Dhoni Global School, Dhoni stated that as a child, he looked up to Sachin Tendulkar. He also revealed that he always wanted to bat like the Indian batting legend but could not do so.

"As a cricketing role model, it has always been Sachin Tendulkar. I was exactly like you guys, I used to watch Sachin Tendulkar play and always thought that I want to play like him. Later on, I realised that I can't play like but in my heart, I always wanted to play like him. He was a cricketing idol growing up," said Dhoni.

Watch MS Dhoni's video here

Even Thala’s favourite period is PT! 😉#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/t4MInuQhxu

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 13, 2022

Dhoni made his international debut in 2004, becoming Tendulkar's teammate for nearly the final ten years of the latter's remarkable career. The pair had a number of notable partnerships across formats. The best of all was when Dhoni was on the non-striking end when Tendulkar became the first male player to score a double century in ODI cricket.

Dhoni also led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, which Tendulkar also played in. Tendulkar went on to say a few days after India won the World Cup that Dhoni was the best captain he had ever played under.

"He is the best captain I have played under," Tendulkar said in Mumbai. "He is very sharp and always alert. He reads the situation well and is open to sharing ideas. He always has discussions with bowlers, batsmen and senior players separately. He is always calm and never shows his frustration. These are some of the human qualities which have made him such a good captain. He is a fantastic captain," Tendulkar said.