Dhoni was a bowler's captain: Pragyan Ojha

One of the biggest legacies of former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni- apart from being the only skipper in the world to win each of the three ICC Trophies- is the way he used to use, guide his bowlers whenever the latter is put under the pump. Dhoni’s penchant for giving the bowlers a piece of his mind and experience to them is something that sets him apart.

We have seen on timeless occasions in both Indian fixtures and in the Indian Premier League, the way he takes the game by the scruff off its neck by putting his arm around the inexperienced shoulders of his bowlers during a crunch situation. No wonder, Dhoni has been hailed as a bowler’s captain on a plethora of times in the past.

Pragyan Ojha explains what makes MS Dhoni a bowler’s captain

The latest to join the bandwagon is the recently retired Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. Ojha, who played almost the entirety of his International cricket under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said that it is highly important for a bowler to have a captain who understands him. And, according to Ojha, Dhoni was that kind of a captain, who always helped his bowlers in their field placements while at the same time, he gave the bowlers enough space to execute their skills.

“He (Dhoni) was a bowler’s captain. I strongly believe that a bowler should have a captain who understands him. A lot of bowlers praise Dhoni because of the dimensions he gives you, things that he helps you with like placing the field, keeping your mind clear which are important when you play high-intensity games,” Ojha said as quoted by Times Now.

Ojha’s last match appearance for India saw him take a ten-wicket haul against the West Indies. The spinner went on to represent the country in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is, where he finished with 144 wickets across formats. Ojha was also a spearhead in the Deccan Charger’s titular triumph in 2009 where he was also conferred with the Purple Cap.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni hasn’t played an international for India since the World Cup and all eyes will be on the former captain when he takes the field for CSK in this season’s IPL.