Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
MS Dhoni different in 2013 compared to 2007 – Irfan Pathan | Irfan Pathan describes MS Dhoni’s leadership on Star Sports Cricket Connected Program
Former India pace bowler Irfan Pathan has provided further insight into the leadership of the great MS Dhoni. Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Connected, Pathan described MS Dhoni as a different captain in 2013, compared to 2007.
“Much more calmer,” said Pathan after asked about the difference between Dhoni as captain in 2013 compared to 2007. “Look in 2007, it was the first time, and you understand that. When you are given a big responsibility of leading the country, you always get excited about certain things.”
Also read: How MS Dhoni is a key reason why CSK are successful in IPL
It is well known that Dhoni loves to keep team meetings short. Pathan confirmed this, but highlighted a key difference in the leader’s approach.
“Obviously, the meetings were always smaller; even in 2007 and in the 2013 Champions Trophy as well. There was no difference in terms of five minutes meetings,” stated Pathan.
“But, the one thing which had really, really changed obviously that happened with experience as well, when young Mahendra Singh Dhoni became captain in 2007, he used to run from wicket-keeping to the bowler in excitement and tried to control the bowler as well.
But, by the time 2013 came, he was letting the bowler control themself rather than he controlling them. So, he understood that, and he was very calm and in control in the 2013 Champions Trophy.”
Also, Pathan spoke about how much Dhoni began to trust his slow bowlers in the period between 2007 and the 2013 Champions Trophy. This focus has also gone a long way to helping Chennai Super Kings become the second-most successful side in the IPL.

“When Mahendra Singh Dhoni became captain for the first time, and then obviously talking about the 2013 Champions Trophy, he gave the experience in-between of trusting his slow bowlers. He used to always trust his slow bowlers; he used to always trust his spinners.
And, I think by the time the Champions Trophy came, he was very clear that in the crucial moment of the time he needed to get his spinner into play to win the games.”
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