Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra recently shared his vivid memories of meeting the legendary MS Dhoni for the first time in 2004. The encounter took place during an India A tour to Kenya and Zimbabwe, a period that marked the initial glimpses of Dhoni’s future greatness.
Chopra recalled how Dhoni’s unorthodox batting style caught everyone’s attention during the tour. Known for his audacious strokeplay, Dhoni’s fearless approach was evident even then. Chopra described an instance when Dhoni played a reverse sweep against Pakistani fast bowler Iftikhar Anjum, who was already an experienced international cricketer.
“So that was a very different Dhoni – carefree but not careless. Carefree because he was very confident and happy with where he was, and not careless because when he got an opportunity, in Kenya and not in Zimbabwe, he batted like a man possessed. Before him, I never saw a batter hit a reverse sweep against a bowler. There was a Pakistan bowler named Iftikhar Anjum, who used to bowl at 140+kmph and already played for his country… Dhoni hit him for a four at fine leg. The bowler changed his field, sent back the fine leg fielder and called in the one at third man, but Dhoni smashed the next ball for a six over the third man region. I was like, ‘Who is this guy?'” Chopra recounted during an interview on Raj Shamani’s YouTube show.
Chopra also praised Dhoni’s humility and supportive nature. Despite being a budding star, Dhoni was seen bowling to his competitor, Dinesh Karthik, during practice sessions. Chopra expressed surprise at Dhoni’s choice to bowl rather than practice his own batting.
“He never used to bat in the nets. He, in fact, used to bowl to Dinesh Karthik, his competitor. He wasn’t getting the opportunity to play, but he wanted to keep himself involved. I told him, ‘Why are you bowling to Karthik? Why aren’t you batting? If he keeps batting and does all the scoring, when will you bat?’ But he replied saying, ‘No, I just want to bowl because I’m enjoying it.’ He is just talented. In fact, he does not practice keeping that much, but his hands are faster than anyone in the world even now,” Chopra added.
Dhoni’s exceptional performance during the Kenya Triangular tournament in 2004 further solidified his reputation. He emerged as the highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 362 runs from six innings at an impressive average of 72.40 and a strike rate of 90.15. Dhoni’s contribution included two centuries and one fifty, playing a crucial role in leading India A to victory in the tournament.
His outstanding display did not go unnoticed, earning him a spot in the Indian team for the tour of Bangladesh in December 2004. Although Dhoni’s debut was modest, marked by a duck and a run-out, he soon made his mark in cricket history. His leadership and performances as captain became legendary, guiding India to numerous memorable victories and establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the sport.
Aakash Chopra’s recollections offer a glimpse into the early days of MS Dhoni’s career, highlighting both his exceptional skill and his modest demeanor. Dhoni’s journey from a promising young talent to a cricketing icon is a testament to his remarkable abilities and enduring legacy.