Dhoni Opens Up on Commentary Box Avoidance: Stats and Sensitivity Challenges
Enigmatic former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has provided rare insights into his post-retirement choices, explaining why he has largely avoided the commentary box. The 44-year-old cricketing legend, who led India to three ICC trophies, described commentary as a "difficult" balancing act that requires statistical knowledge and diplomatic communication skills he finds challenging.
The Delicate Art of Commentary
During a YouTube interaction with sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, Dhoni elaborated on what makes commentary particularly challenging for him. "Commentary is very difficult," Dhoni stated. "I feel there is a very fine line between describing the game and in that process getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It's a very thin line."
The former wicketkeeper-batter emphasized that commentators often don't realize when they might be crossing that line. "Often, you don't even feel that what you are doing is maybe borderline wrong," he explained. "You would always like to be on the other side where you are describing the game. If you feel something is wrong you say it out."
Dhoni highlighted the communication skills required for effective commentary: "But how to put it, that is also an art, how to politely put it forward where nobody feels targeted...If the team is losing there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary."
The Statistics Challenge
Beyond the delicate nature of commentary, Dhoni revealed another significant barrier: his relationship with statistics. "I'm not good with stats," he admitted candidly. "But there are a lot of people who are very good with stats. They know stats...If you ask me about my stats, I'll be like hmmm and there are certain people who know stats about not just Indian cricket team or the Indian players but everyone throughout the era."
This statistical challenge presents a particular disadvantage in modern cricket commentary, where detailed statistics and historical comparisons have become integral to analysis and discussion during broadcasts.
Dhoni's Communication Preferences
The conversation also touched upon Dhoni's broader communication style and preferences. Known for his Zen-like composure during high-pressure situations in his playing days, Dhoni described himself as "a very good listener" rather than a frequent speaker.
"Yes I do speak with people who I'm comfortable with. But I'm more of a listener than a speaker," he explained. "And if I don't know about the topic I don't speak much because I will be absorbing more if I'm listening."
Dhoni added that this listening approach has often eliminated his need to seek advice: "I never feel that urge to contribute if I don't know...being a good listener you don't always have to look for advice...They keep floating around just with certain people who you are having a conversation with. You need to have that intelligence to figure out what works the best for you."
Phone Communication Struggles
In a lighter moment, Dhoni admitted to another communication challenge that has persisted throughout his life. "I'm not good in that way of communicating," he said with a grin. "I like to sit across and speak to people. I'm not someone who's very good over the phone because I can't see a face. So, I'm a very awkward guy when it comes to speaking on the phone."
Despite recognizing this as an area for improvement, Dhoni joked about his lack of progress: "So that's something I want to improve but I'm glad I haven't improved." He added a humorous observation about mobile phones: "You know when initially mobile phones came it was for the benefit of the people who own the phone. Now your mobile phone is for my benefit."
Dhoni's Current Cricketing Connection
Since retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni has maintained a limited connection to the sport through his appearances for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. His rare public comments during this YouTube interaction provide valuable insights into his post-retirement mindset and preferences.
The former captain's avoidance of commentary stands in contrast to many retired cricketers who transition to broadcasting roles. Dhoni's explanation highlights both the technical requirements of modern commentary and the interpersonal skills needed to navigate the delicate balance between analysis and criticism.
