Untold Story: S Sreesanth Reveals Exclusive Anecdote Involving MS Dhoni
One of cricket’s legends, MS Dhoni, is a man who commands immense respect throughout the cricketing world. Despite making his debut for India relatively late, he went on to establish a legacy that remains unparalleled to this day. Among the many intriguing tales about the Ranchi-born wicket-keeper batsman, a new one has emerged as former pacer S Sreesanth shared anecdotes from an India vs. Pakistan match in Kerala. In this captivating story, Dhoni’s determination and journey to cement his place in the team shine through.
Prior to the India vs. Pakistan match in Kerala, John Wright, India’s head coach, asked me to bowl in the nets. The match took place in Kochi, and it was a full house. The crowd was chanting ‘India, India, Sachin, Sachin,’ Sreesanth recounted during a conversation on Sportskeeda.
Sreesanth continued, Dhoni bhai (a term of respect for Dhoni) came and spoke with us, the support players. I haven’t shared this story before. When we were standing there, Dhoni bhai said, I want to express myself. I am not getting the chance where I can express myself.
While Dhoni was eager to showcase his abilities, Sreesanth too had a burning desire to represent India in the future.
Sreesanth explained, “There was one more player from Kerala with me. Dhoni was chatting with us, and we even jokingly told him, ‘Dhoni bhai, even we will make it to the team in 1-2 years.’ He replied with a smile, ‘Yes, sure. Why not? Just keep working hard.
At a dinner party, we had a casual interaction. But I told him, ‘Don’t worry. Something tells me you will play and perform well soon.’ I have a habit of motivating players who are on the bench. You won’t believe it, but in the very next match he played, he scored a century. In the Duleep Trophy finals, he got a chance and he scored a hundred,” revealed Sreesanth.
Dhoni’s journey continued as he scored a hundred for India A, solidifying his place in the senior Indian team forever.
Sreesanth added, Then he got an opportunity in India ‘A,’ and he scored a hundred again, and then another hundred. It was an incredible journey from playing Duleep Trophy against him in 2003/04 to winning two World Cups with him. It’s an unbelievable journey that exemplifies the power of belief.
I’m writing about this in my autobiography as well. During the India vs. Pakistan match, MS Dhoni told me, ‘I don’t know what we have to do. You don’t know what brings you here, but you know what to do here,'” Sreesanth concluded, highlighting Dhoni’s remarkable journey from uncertainty to cricketing greatness.
