‘The King Kong’ – Ravi Shastri calls MS Dhoni as greatest limited-overs skipper

India coach Ravi Shastri feels that former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the greatest white-ball captain of all time. Dhoni has an illustrious record to boast about as an India skipper, having won all three ICC trophies, the only skipper to do so. He also led CSK to three IPL titles, in addition to the two Champions League trophies.

Dhoni and Shastri will be working together during India’s T20 World Cup campaign. The former skipper will give his services as a mentor during the showpiece event. In an interview with Fancode, Shastri lauded Dhoni and said, “Dhoni is the greatest white-ball captain ever. Just look at his record in ICC tournaments. What has he not won? IPL, Champions League, all ICC tournaments, two World Cups. There is no one close to him when it comes to white-ball cricket. He has to be the greatest. The King Kong, you can call him in that fashion.”

Dhoni has made a reputation for himself as someone who stays calm in all situations, a rare trait that has been lauded by the cricket fraternity. Shastri said Dhoni’s ability to stay composed in different situations separates him from the rest.

“When you see Dhoni captaining a side, and you see Chennai Super Kings (CSK), there’s that assurance and calmness of things in control. The other side might me whacking sixes or fours but you still get the feeling there is this composure and control.”

Dhoni-led CSK has made a remarkable turnaround in IPL 2021 after a miserable show in 2020. The team has already sealed a spot in the playoffs. Taking about CSK’s next match against RR, Shastri said Dhoni will not take the game lightly despite securing a berth in the playoffs and will be focused on continuing the momentum.

“The ball is in CSK’s court, how they want to play. They have qualified, they are going to finish 1 or 2, there is no question about that. It’s how Dhoni sees it. Does he want to rest players or does he want to try one or two players for the game? The endeavor would be to win. They would start as favorites, but no one likes to lose momentum.”