Irfan Pathan, Ex-Indian all-rounder, who was the part of both the 2007 World Cup-winning squad and the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad, reveals about MS Dhoni, who had led his team to the two ICC trophy triumphs, changed as a skipper between the 6-year time frame.
According to Irfan Pathan, the ex-Indian captain used to get easily energized when he took over as Indian skipper. Nonetheless, the wicketkeeper-batsman became more settled as years passed by, and as his experience grew.
"In 2007, it was the first time and you understand that when you are given a big responsibility of leading a team, you get excited," said on Star Sports Cricket Connected when asked what was the difference between MS Dhoni of 2007 and 2013.
Dhoni became calmer with time
According to Pathan, the team meetings were always of tiny duration. However, both in 2007 and 2013 during Champions Trophy, only 5 minutes meeting. The one thing which ridiculously changed was when young Dhoni turned into the captain of the team in 2007. He used to run from wicket-keeping to bowling end in energy and attempt to control the bowler too. However, when 2013 came he was letting the bowler control themselves rather he controlling them. He was quiet and in charge.
Irfan, who declared his retirement from all types of cricket this year, included Dhoni began confiding in his spin bowlers. With time he picked up the trust that they could win matches for him.
"Between 2007 and 2013 he gained the experience of trusting his slow bowlers and spinner and by the time Champions Trophy came he was very clear that in crucial time he needs to get his spinners into play to win the games."
MS Dhoni had not played global cricket for India since the World Cup semi-final 2019. He is the only skipper throughout the history of cricket to dominate all ICC trophies. Under the leadership of Dhoni, India won the ICC World Twenty20 2007, Asia Cups of 2010 and 2016, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.