RP Singh recalls the incident when MS Dhoni fought with selectors for playing him over Irfan Pathan

Being the skipper of the Indian team is one of the most prestigious jobs that one can have. However, along with the position, the captaincy also brings along immense pressure and responsibility. Many Indian skippers were known to handle such immense pressure on and off the field. MS Dhoni, the former Indian skipper, etched his name into the record books as one of the most successful captains of Indian cricket.

Dhoni– composed and calm on the field– was known for his decisions and awareness in the sport. One of the biggest talking points of Dhoni’s captaincy came in 2008 – where a decision he made during a selection meeting was leaked. As per a report in 2008, Dhoni wasn’t in favour of the selectors’ decision to replace RP Singh with Irfan Pathan. The wicketkeeper-batsman also threatened to give up captaincy and eventually went with Singh in the next two matches.

Recalling the incident, Singh opined that Dhoni was unbiased when it came to picking the right players. Dhoni was unfazed by the leak. Singh also revealed that he had a discussion with Dhoni where they discussed in which areas the pacer could improve and do better. According to Singh, Dhoni used to push the players whom he thought would follow the plans better.

‘I don’t think I was affected by the leak’: RP Singh

“I don’t think I was affected by the leak. The England series we are talking about, I didn’t get a wicket in Indore. Obviously people think they will get 2 or 3 more chances. But it was not meant to be. Some get 5 chances, some get 10 chances the lucky ones,” RP told Sports Tak.

“We [Dhoni and I] had a discussion about where I could improve, what I can do to get better. I know MS Dhoni. Friendship is a different thing, but leading the country is different altogether. At that moment, I think he pushed the ones who he thought were better. I think he pushed people whom he thought would follow the plans better,” added the speedster.

Singh also lauded Dhoni’s unbiased opinions and decision making. Regarded as one of the best left-arm pacers to have donned the Indian jersey, Singh admitted that he was dropped from the team as there was a decrease in his swing as well as speed. However, he said that he has no regrets in his career.

Singh represented India in 14 Tests, 58 ODIs and 10 T20Is and the pacer was also a part of the national squad which lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The speedster’s last appearance for India came in an ODI match against England in 2011.

“This is why MS Dhoni is MS Dhoni today. His unbiased opinions on cricket and decision making. I didn’t play as much as I should have because maybe my speed dipped and my swing dipped. Everything else is secondary. If I had improved then, I would have played more. But I am happy with whatever I achieved,” he added.