One of the best captains of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is a man that the entire cricket universe respects, as he went on to create a legacy that remains an unparalleled event today. Although there are many interesting stories involving Dhoni, a new one unfolded as former first bowler Sreesanth shared anecdotes from an India vs. Pakistan match in Kerala. While the fans were chanting Sachin, Sachin, Dhoni knew that it was his time to deliver and cement his place in the team.
In a chat, Sreesanth revealed, "Before the India vs. Pakistan match in Kerala, John Wright, who was India's head coach at the time, called me to bowl in the nets. Kochi hosted the match. India vs. Pakistan was housefull. Everyone was chanting 'India, India, Sachin, Sachin'.”
He further added that "Dhoni Bhai came and spoke with us, the support players. I have not shared this story anywhere. When we were standing there, Dhoni Bhai said, 'I want to express myself. I am not getting the chance where I can express myself'.”
While Dhoni was eager to prove his credentials, Sreesanth also showed keen interest in representing India in the future.
"There was one more player with me from Kerala. Dhoni was talking with us. We even jokingly told him, 'Dhoni bhai, even we will come in the team in 1-2 years'. He said with a smile, 'Yes, sure. Why not. Just keep working hard'."
After this, Sree revealed that, “At the dinner party, we just had a casual interaction. But I told him, 'Don't worry. Something tells me you will play and do well soon.' I have the habit of motivating the players sitting on the bench. You won't believe it; the next match he played, he scored a hundred. In the Duleep Trophy finals, he got a chance, and he scored a hundred.”
Dhoni went on to score a century for India A and went on a run that made him indispensable to the senior Indian team forever.