He was hounded by media, fans and Indian cricket aficionados alike when India suffered a humbling series defeat in the Tests. However, after leading his side to a historic ODI series victory in England, their first after 24 years, MS Dhoni has come in for some praise - both for his astute captaincy and for becoming India's most successful ODI captain ever. Dhoni was overwhelmed with relief after the win over England and said the triumph has lifted the gloom that set in due to the Test debacle.
India thrashed England by nine wickets to take an invincible 3-0 lead in the five-match series here to compensate for the 1-3 Test series loss. The victory also made Dhoni the most successful Indian ODI captain with 91 wins.
"When I started leading the team, I got a fantastic team then, and I have got a fantastic side right now," an ecstatic Dhoni said after the match.
"There will be ups and downs, but thanks to everyone, whoever I have played with. Without their contribution it wouldnt really have been possible. All the senior players I played with and who played under me, followed by the youngsters. I personally feel we are a very good, a fantastic ODI side. And there will be ups and downs, but what is important is to keep the intent positive. Thanks to all the players. We had a tough time in the Test series, but the change of format helps. This format pushes you to be impressive on the field, but at the same time pushes you to back yourself to play your shots. I was very happy with the fast bowlers, especially how they bowled with the new ball. And spinners as well, when they have a bit of help from the wicket, they will always do well," he added.
Talking pertinently about the series win, Dhoni said India kept on improving with every match especially after the 1-3 drubbing in the Test series against England.
"The good thing is that we have kept improving from the first ODI onwards. Thats definitely a big positive. It was a good toss to win today. The fast bowlers bowled really well initially and gave us those early breakthroughs because of which we were able to put pressure on their middle order.
Overall we are very happy. Ajinkya Rahane also got a century and we got an opening partnership. So it was a complete game for us, he said.
Rahane scored 106 runs, his maiden ODI hundred, and while doing so, he put on 183 runs for the opening wicket with Shikhar Dhawan who returned to form with an unbeaten 97.
Speaking to Mark Nicholas for the All Out Cricket Magazine, Dhoni spoke about how special it was for him to become an honorary lieutenant with the Indian Army.
"Winning the World Cup was very special because it meant so much to so many. One thing about our country that is constant is cricket. The smile it brought to peoples faces was the thing I shall always remember. It reminded me, reminded all of us, of our importance to the lives of the Indian people less lucky than we are.
But personally, no. The proudest moment of my own life was the day I accepted my ranks at the Pipping Ceremony. From when I was a young boy, I read books on weapons and tanks and combat. I was so interested in the army. Then later, my profile as an Indian cricketer allowed me access to the real thing so I spent time with soldiers, learning about their lives and sacrifices. I had friends in the Special Forces and heard their stories of missions, the risks they take, the commitment they must have to succeed. I met the chief of the Army Staff and told him about my lifelong fascination with the military. I asked if it was possible to become involved myself. Incredible as it may seem, he took a recommendation through various channels that finished up with the President of the country. The result of all this is that I became an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Parachute Regiment, he said.
He adds: "I love my country. I tell my wife she is only the third most important thing after my country and my parents, in that order. The point is that while I am an Indian cricketer I will devote myself to that cause. Cricket is not everything, not by any means, but it is a large part of who I am. Therefore I want to play in all formats of the game and to play as much as possible because before long it will be over. Then Ill focus more on the Army!
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