Will Dhoni lead India to victory again?

As a national icon, everything MS Dhoni does is in public domain. The relentless curiosity and media glare gives us an insight into his cricket and commercial activities, even his private life.

As a national icon, everything MS Dhoni does is in public domain. The relentless curiosity and media glare gives us an insight into his cricket and commercial activities, even his private life.

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Of course, the spotlight is mostly fixed on his role as captain. Dhoni, till this depressing summer in England, won everything there was to be won and management experts were trying to figure out what made him special. One major quality is Dhoni remains composed during play. On the field, he won't whoop with joy or direct angry glares at others. Still, one does not know what makes him work. Is he a tactical genius who instinctively sorts out what to do? Is he a gifted individual with uncommon common sense and an uncluttered mind?

Inside information is that Dhoni is a man of few words —he listens more than he speaks. In team meetings, Dhoni soaks in what others say, but on the field he takes the call.

What is exceptional, however, is his ability to command respect and motivate others to give their best. After an amazing run as captain, Dhoni faces a serious test this season and his fight is on various fronts. Physically, he is drained, but he has no time to rest as England is already here. There are other problems too. He is battling indifferent batting form and his keeping too hasn't been great of late. Also, it seems the system is giving him grief, with differences with the selectors. England have dented his reputation and the question now is: Will Dhoni come good in the second innings?

(The writer is the CEO of Delhi Daredevils)