Latest MS Dhoni Podcast with @tanmaybhat @humansofbombay2801 @Kullubaazi | Ep 1 | Prabhav'24 | RIGI

Summary

In this candid interview, MS Dhoni opens up about his leadership philosophy, cricket career, and life beyond the field. He reflects on his approach to decision-making as captain, balancing fitness and personal time, and the importance of maintaining calm during pressure situations. Dhoni shares his passion for motorbikes, his appreciation for his loyal fans, and his humorous moments in the game. With insights into his mindset as a player and leader, Dhoni offers a glimpse into his grounded, well-rounded life off the pitch while continuing to inspire through his dedication to the sport.

Takeaways

• 😀 MS Dhoni's leadership style revolves around fostering trust and responsibility, especially with bowlers and wicketkeepers during DRS decisions.
• 😀 Dhoni emphasizes the importance of keeping calm in high-pressure situations, both as a player and when watching the game from the sidelines.
• 😀 He enjoys a balanced lifestyle, taking time for his family, pets, and other interests like farming and sports outside of cricket.
• 😀 Despite being a professional athlete, Dhoni strives to enjoy the remaining years of his career without letting the pressures of the sport overshadow his passion.
• 😀 Dhoni carefully manages his fitness and training schedule, balancing work commitments with downtime to stay fresh for the IPL season.
• 😀 Dhoni loves following cricket, watching matches, and learning from every game, now that he's not playing internationally anymore.
• 😀 He has a clear and structured daily routine, particularly when at home in Ranchi, balancing fitness, family time, and hobbies like badminton and farming.
• 😀 Dhoni values the importance of constructive criticism in cricket, emphasizing that feedback should help players improve without diminishing their self-worth.
• 😀 He discusses his experience with the IPL auction, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the process, where any franchise could bid for him.
• 😀 Dhoni shares that he loves motorcycles and prefers hearing their engine sounds over background music in videos, reflecting his personal interest in vehicles.

Q & A

How does MS Dhoni handle pressure while watching a match from the sidelines compared to when he is playing?

MS Dhoni reveals that while on the field, his heart rate is controlled, and he remains calm under pressure. However, as a spectator, his heart rate increases and he experiences more excitement, showing that he feels more like a fan when watching the game rather than a player.

What is Dhoni’s approach to balancing cricket and personal life?

Dhoni maintains a balance by staying fit for the IPL season while also taking regular breaks to spend time with his family, play with his pets, and engage in hobbies like playing badminton and riding his tractor. He enjoys keeping a simple routine and makes sure to relax when not training.

How does MS Dhoni approach leadership when making decisions like reviewing a DRS call?

Dhoni believes in shared responsibility when making decisions like DRS calls. As the wicketkeeper, he has a unique perspective from behind the stumps, which helps in assessing the ball's trajectory. He emphasizes that both the captain and keeper should share the decision-making process, ensuring a better outcome.

What did Dhoni learn about the IPL auction process, and how does he feel about it?

Dhoni views the IPL auction as a dynamic and unpredictable process where players don’t know which team will select them. He enjoys the uncertainty and believes it adds excitement, emphasizing that it’s a system where the highest bidder gets the player, unlike trades in other leagues.

How does MS Dhoni manage the mental demands of playing professional cricket?

Dhoni explains that professional cricket requires discipline and focus, especially in high-stakes games. He values enjoying the game despite its challenges and seeks to make the most of his remaining years in the sport. However, he acknowledges that it’s not always fun in the traditional sense due to the mental and physical demands.

How does MS Dhoni handle criticism, and what is his approach to motivating teammates?

Dhoni believes in providing constructive criticism that helps teammates improve. He stresses the importance of knowing the individual, understanding how to communicate feedback, and offering advice that boosts the player's performance rather than demeaning them.

What role does MS Dhoni play in managing the mental and emotional states of his teammates?

Dhoni plays a crucial role in keeping the morale of his teammates high, often using humor and light banter to relieve stress during tense moments. He acknowledges the mental strain players can experience and aims to keep the atmosphere positive, especially during critical phases of a match.

What does MS Dhoni’s daily routine look like when he’s not playing cricket?

Dhoni’s daily routine in Ranchi is structured but relaxed. He wakes up later in the morning, has breakfast, and spends time at the stadium for gym workouts or casual sports like badminton. In the evening, he may go back to the stadium for additional practice. He also enjoys farming and spending time with his family and pets.

How does MS Dhoni view social media and fan interactions?

Dhoni tends to avoid engaging with the comment sections on social media. He trusts his fans to protect his reputation and take care of any negative comments. He values their support and focuses on enjoying his life and playing good cricket, without getting distracted by online opinions.

What are some of MS Dhoni’s personal interests outside of cricket?

MS Dhoni is passionate about motorcycles and cars, preferring to see videos of bikes without background music, so he can hear the engine’s sound. He also enjoys farming, spending time on his tractor, and engaging in casual sports like badminton and tennis in his free time.