'People always talk about MS Dhoni': Gambhir reveals Dhoni's selfless act for Team India

Gautam Gambhir, who has often been perceived as harbouring resentment toward MS Dhoni, has been vocal about the overshadowing of other players' contributions during the 2011 World Cup, and the belief that the captain's role should not be magnified above the team. However, his latest remarks appear to paint a different picture.

3 things you need to know 

• India won the 2011 World Cup by defeating Sri Lanka in the final
• Dhoni-led India secured a 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka 
• The win ended India's 28-year wait to win the ODI World Cup

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Gambhir calls Dhoni a blessing for Indian cricket

Gautam Gambhir's long-standing reputation for critiquing MS Dhoni seems to have taken an unexpected turn as he praised the former Indian captain. While speaking on Star Sports, Gambhir acknowledged Dhoni's unique prowess as a wicketkeeper-batter. He commended Dhoni for being the first Indian wicketkeeper who prioritised his batting and had the ability to change the game with his formidable skills at No 7. Gambhir referred to Dhoni's presence in the team as a "blessing" for Indian cricket.

"MS (Dhoni) was the first wicketkeeper of India who could change the game with his batting. Earlier, they were keepers first and batters later, but MS was batter first and then was a wicketkeeper," Gambhir said. "It was a blessing for Indian cricket that in MS Dhoni, we got a wicketkeeper-batter who can win you matches from No 7, because he had that power game."

The discussion did not stop there. Gambhir speculated that had Dhoni batted at No 3, he could have amassed even more runs and possibly broken numerous ODI records. Dhoni retired with an impressive ODI career total of 10773 runs, including 10 centuries and 73 fifties.

Additionally, Gambhir highlighted Dhoni's selfless approach to captaincy, emphasising how he consistently put the team's interests above his own. The former opener believed that Dhoni's achievements as a captain were indisputable, but he also contended that Dhoni's sacrifice of his personal batting ambitions for the team's success was a significant factor in his career.

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Dhoni could have taken No.3 spot 

According to Gambhir, Dhoni's willingness to bat lower in the order, often at No 6 or 7, was driven by his sense of responsibility as captain. Gambhir firmly believed that if Dhoni had not been in charge, he would have taken the No 3 spot and scored more runs, possibly achieving more centuries.

"If MS would have batted at No 3, I am sure he could have broken several ODI records. People always talk about MS Dhoni and his achievements as a captain, which is absolutely true. But I feel due to captaincy, he sacrificed the batter in him, and he could have achieved much more with his bat which he didn’t. And this happens when you are a captain because then you put the team ahead, and you forget about yourself," Gambhir said.

"He started batting at No 6 or 7. If he had not been captain, he would have been India’s No 3, and I think he could have scored more than what he has scored and could have scored more hundreds also. People always see MS with the trophies but in my opinion, he sacrificed his international runs for the team’s trophies."

Gambhir's latest remarks on Dhoni appear to signal a shift in his public perception of the former captain, from what many considered criticism to a heartfelt appreciation of Dhoni's unique contributions to Indian cricket. This new perspective may help mend any lingering tensions and reaffirm the respect these two cricketing legends have for each other.