Matthew Hayden picks MS Dhoni as India’s most impactful player of the decade

MS Dhoni is considered by many to be one of the greatest captains India has ever had. The sense of calm and assured decision-making that the now 39-year-old brought into the Indian side is one of the main reasons for India’s success since his ascendancy to captaincy. Apart from being a terrific captain, Dhoni’s presence in the middle-order and ability to finish off matches were instrumental to India winning matches. His lightning-fast hands behind the stumps played a huge part as well.

Recently the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced nominees for the player of the decade. The list which includes Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root, AB de Villiers and Kumar Sangakkara apart from Dhoni has led to several discussions among cricketers, fans and experts as to who should win the award.

‘Dhoni has won a World Cup and a Champions Trophy’

Speaking on the Star Sports show Cricket Connected, former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden who was also Dhoni’s teammate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spoke about Dhoni’s impact for India in ODIs. “I think it’s really important and significant that MS Dhoni has won a World Cup and a Champions Trophy. That World Cup for me, that’s a real big milestone,” he said.

“I have mentioned it before we have played loads of cricket in the one-day format and I just feel that when it comes to being ready for a World Cup, you not only got to have a good leader but you also need to have a calm strong player in the middle order like he has,” Hayden added.

Dhoni will next be seen in action in the 2021 edition of the IPL after confirming his participation in the same on the last matchday for CSK in the 2020 edition.

Also Read: “Certainly got to be Kohli” – Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli as the most impactful Indian player of the decade