Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently graced Vadodara with his presence, engaging in an inspirational dialogue at Parul University. The iconic cricketer, known for his calm demeanor, was in high spirits as he shared profound insights from his illustrious career, offered valuable advice for students, and reminisced about unforgettable moments on and off the field.
Inspiration for the Youth and Vision for Women's Cricket
Expressing his admiration for the younger generation, Dhoni stated he is a big fan of passionate and hardworking youngsters. He emphasized that the future is defined by them and their contributions across various fields. Reflecting on his own journey, he revealed he started as a footballer in school before destiny steered him towards cricket.
Shifting focus to the recent triumphs in women's cricket, Dhoni shared his delight at the team's World Cup victory. He called it a huge achievement in a highly competitive landscape. He expressed his desire for the Indian women's team to now dominate world cricket, highlighting their consistency and growing bench strength as signs of a promising upward trajectory for the sport in India.
The Mindset of Captain Cool: Handling Pressure and Motivation
In a fascinating revelation, Dhoni confessed that he feels more tense watching a match as a spectator than when he is on the field captaining the side. He explained that while playing, his focus narrows down to the immediate task, making the result slightly out of focus and helping control his heart rate. The anxiety peaks when he is in the dressing room watching a teammate bat, though he quickly reminds himself to avoid unnecessary worry.
On self-motivation, Dhoni described it as a very individualistic pursuit. For him, the primary drive was to contribute to India's victories, treating every day of his international career as special. He stressed the importance of passion, hard work, time management, and discipline. While advocating for progress, he also urged the youth never to forget India's rich cultural roots and to have fun within sensible boundaries.
Career Lessons: From Worst Debut to 2011 Glory
Dhoni candidly recalled having the worst possible debut in international cricket, being run out for zero. However, his mindset was focused on how to bounce back. This resilience paid off in his next major series against Pakistan, where a promoted batting position led to a spectacular 148-run knock. He underscored that not giving up and maintaining self-belief are among life's most important lessons.
When asked about the most special moment of his career, Dhoni instantly recalled the 2011 World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium. He described the emotionally charged atmosphere when the crowd began singing 'Vande Mataram' minutes before the victory. He expressed his wishes for India to win the World Cup a hundred times in both men's and women's cricket.
Team Dynamics, Idols, and Light-Hearted Moments
Dhoni highlighted the significance of understanding teammates in a sport where players spend more time with each other than family. Recognizing when a colleague needs space is crucial for team spirit, he noted. He also advised carefully choosing one's idol, narrating an anecdote about a talented but party-loving player whose companions saw their careers end while he succeeded.
The session was peppered with laughter. When comedian Kiku Sharda jokingly asked for a bike-washing contract for Dhoni's rumored 75 bikes, Dhoni humorously retorted that his wife wouldn't even pay him ₹500 to wash a bike. He also recalled a funny stump mic moment where he told an errant fielder, "Your girlfriend isn't sitting there, look here, the match is happening this side!"
Concluding with a note on his love for motorcycles, Dhoni said he drives 40-50 km daily in Ranchi but sternly advised youngsters that bikes are for commuting, not racing. He urged them to drive carefully and stay focused to avoid injuries.
