Sachin Tendulkar reveals reason behind recommending MS Dhoni for India's captaincy in 2007

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni made his international debut in December 2004 as a 23-year-old. Prior to inaugural (2007) T20 World Cup in South Africa, cricketer was handed over a high-profile job of captaining Indian team. decision to entrust faith on n youngster apparently paid off as a young Indian side, without services of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, lifted coveted trophy in Johannesburg on September 24, 2007.

win is highly considered as a significant moment of Indian sporting folklore as it paved way for youngsters that took Indian cricket forward in subsequent years.

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MS Dhoni birthday: Sachin Tendulkar talks about Indian captaincy for 2007 T20 World Cup

MS Dhoni turned 39 on Tuesday, July 7. To commemorate MS Dhoni birthday occasion, here is a look back at time when his ex-teammate Sachin Tendulkar, a former captain himself, revealed as to why he declined Team India's leadership in 2007 and recommended name of Ranchi-born cricketer instead.

Sachin Tendulkar interacted with Gaurav Kapur on his Oaktree Sports’ show Breakfast with Champions in May 2018. When asked about what leadership traits he saw in MS Dhoni during his early years, batting icon said that he was impressed with sharp cricketing brain of wicketkeeper. Sachin Tendulkar cited an example by saying that whenever he was stationed at slips, next to MS Dhoni, he used to interact with wicketkeeper about different field placements. Tendulkar said that during such interactions, he learned that wicketkeeper “thinks differently” and was an ideal person to lead Team India in future.

Interestingly, present Indian captain Virat Kohli also spoke in similar veins about his ‘friend’ MS Dhoni back in vember 2017. He said that he never come across a “better cricketing brain” than that of his ex-skipper. Virat Kohli also said that he likes seeking on-field advice from 2011 World Cup-winning captain.

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MS Dhoni birthday: Sachin Tendulkar talks about former Indian skipper, watch video

MS Dhoni birthday: MS Dhoni stats

MS Dhoni stats place cricketer among all-time best wicketkeeper-batsmen in world. 39-year-old has played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is to score over 17,000 international runs across formats with 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries. MS Dhoni was equally effective behind stumps and is currently third on list (behind Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist) of wicketkeepers with most dismissals (829) in international cricket.

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Im credit: Sachin Tendulkar Twitter