If it weren't for N Srinivasan, the president of BCCI, MS Dhoni would have had to pack his bags to be replaced by Virat Kohli as the captain in the long format of the game. And we probably wouldn't have witnessed the greatest series for India since the advent of test cricket. Dhoni who was almost sacked has risen to be the best captain ever for India with his leadership qualities yet again but his path was not an easy one.
Time played hardball with the Indian skipper. Here are the tribulations of the Miracle Worker for India
World Cup, April 2, 2011
Highly gripping game against Sri Lanka in the World Cup finals. Dhoni takes the bat and scores the winning runs to pave way for one of the most emotional moments in Indian cricket winning the Cup after 28 years.
West Indies tour, June 2011
Final figures in Indian favor with 1-0 but Dhoni was blamed for his poor decisions in the test which would have gone 2-0 with a victory drawn in Dominica
England Tour, July 2011
One of the poorest performing Indian team in England where India lost all respect from the nation. A white wash that made the team hang heads in shame. Except for Rahul Dravid no player is even worthy of a mention. India lose series 0-4
England, WI Tour of India, October-December 2011
Loss against England but wins against WI in two games 2-0.
January-February 2012
Australia takes India to task resulting in another whitewash 0-4. India cannot even reach tri-series finals. Reports show a rift between senior players and Dhoni about several issues.
March 2012
Asia Cup debacle. Loss in the hands of Bangladesh falling out of the game even before entering finals.
November 2012
Another loss, a whitewash, but this time in homeground leaves the audience furious. First time in 28 years, India loses a series after winning one game to England. Captaincy under threat and criticism.
December 2012
Mohinder Amarnath publicly announces without the permission from BCCI president that Australia test might have Virat Kohli leading the team but N Srinivasan prevents the elevation. Chances of split captaincy were predicted.
January 2013
Humiliating loss to Pakistan at home. People start doubting in his captaincy but BCCI doesn't take a decision yet.
February 2013
Named skipper again, probably for the last time and Dhoni makes it count. A thumping 4-0 win against Australia while erasing all doubts of his capabilities. No more speculation about his faculties dealing with the team.
Facing a lot of criticism, he managed to keep his head high and lead the team. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is most aptly Captain Cool. He deserves a round of applause.
(AW- Anil)
