'Best part was how he made sure…': Pragyan Ojha reveals how MS Dhoni made life easier for bowlers as India captain

Former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha spoke about MS Dhoni's role as Team India captain and also revealed how he made life easier for bowlers.

Published on: Feb 12, 2023, 13:01:01 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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Considered by many to be the greatest cricket captain in history, MS Dhoni led Team India to glory with much aplomb on multiple occasions. The wicketkeeper-batter was captain when India won the 2007 World Twenty20, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and also the 2010, 2016 Asia Cup. Meanwhile, under his captaincy, India also won the 2010 and 2011 ICC Test Mace and the 2013 ICC ODI Championship.

File image of MS Dhoni, Pragyan Ojha (Getty Images)

Known for his aggressive captaincy and ability to finish matches in nerve-wracking tight situations, Dhoni was known for his approach to cricketers playing under him, with many lavishing praise on his calm composure during matches. The 41-year-old was also known for his advice to bowlers, which helped them grab crucial wickets. Speaking to Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview, former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha underlined Dhoni's ability to make 'things very simple' for bowlers. The 36-year-old spoke on behalf of Viacom18 Sports’ Expert Panel for SA20. The final will be live tomorrow, 12th February on JioCinema, Sports18-1, Sports18-1 HD, Sports18 Khel and Colors Tamil.

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"I think he used to make things very simple. If you see all the spinners who have played along with him or under him, they used to enjoy his advice. He used to make things very easy for us. As a bowler, you have to think about your own bowling, you have to think about your fielding, you have to think about the batsman, you have to think about the conditions," he said.

Ponting out about Dhoni's knowledge about field placement and wicket behaviour, Ojha continued, "But he was one who used to take one part out of your system, like the field placement or maybe how the wicket is behaving. These are the things which he would help you out with. That is the reason why it was less of a burden on a bowler and that is what I enjoyed."

Ojha, who represented India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, also feels that Dhoni made sure to reduce the pressure on his teammates. "I think the best part was the way he used to make sure that the pressure doesn't come to us. That is something which really helped me. That is something I make sure that when a young person is playing, I make sure the pressure doesn't mount on him. That is something which really helps you", he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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