MS Dhoni’s leadership was inspiring in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Much to the heartbreak of a majority India supporting crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India were beaten by Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 semi-final. India didn’t look very competent throughout the match; that India had such an amazing run in the tournament to that point speaks volumes about Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s spunk as a leader, thinks Rishad D’Souza.

MS Dhoni’s incredible leadership skills in limited-overs cricket has displayed itself at various stages ever since he led an inexperienced India to the World T20 title in the inaugural 2007 edition. So why broach the topic on a day India were exposed? Because today India’s weaknesses showed. Weaknesses that Dhoni got his team to masterfully overcome throughout the tournament so far.Decoding the MS Dhoni enigma: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

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It is no secret that India was horrible in its build up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. They went winless against Australia in the Tests and even in the tri-series including England. In hindsight, that seems pathetic, doesn’t it? India was unable to overhaul a team that suffered a first round exit! It only proves India didn’t go into the World Cup flawless, weaknesses were plenty. 

How then, did a team with flaws stage such a dramatic reversal the moment they entered the World Cup? Magic? Maybe… if that is the term you want to use for Dhoni’s abilities. India first faced Pakistan in the World Cup and the streak was extended 6-0, Pakistan fans were denied their greatest joy yet again (yes, possibly greater than the joy of winning the title itself). Some may, in fact, attribute Pakistan’s loss to that very mental block. Even then, Dhoni was under the pressure of maintaining a record so carefully built by previous captains – a record fondly recalled on by Indian fans in times of cricketing despair. India vs Pakistan, ICC World Cup 2015: Kapil credits Dhoni’s captaincy for win

Next India faced South Africa. Honestly India would not have incurred much flak had they lost the match. South Africa were billed as favourites; in India’s case even a first round exit was not ruled out. India prevailed, Dhoni’s boys didn’t only win; they thrashed South Africa. It became evident that Dhoni’s master mind was at play with the weaknesses suddenly seeming non-existent. After that match, India eased to victories over the other sides including United Arab Emirates (UAE), West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

The shortcomings that led to India’s downfall were still present as manifested in small glimpses in most of those matches; it’s just that Dhoni ensured those shortcomings didn’t get the better of his boys. He nurtured them to work around their weaknesses and success was attained. They then went on to beat Bangladesh comprehensively in the quarter-final and what stared them in the face next was huge – the mighty Australians. Full Scorecard: India vs Australia, ICC World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 2 at Sydney

The Indians were exposed by them, simply put. The loss to Australia proved that India had not completely overcome the flaws; they had simply found a way to win despite that. Under Dhoni team India had managed to tame their shortcomings and ultimately his team was only found out against a team of substance and quality. MS Dhoni’s men can be proud of their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 campaign

With that defeat, it became clear that the Indian side was not as perfect as they appeared. It was only Dhoni’s steely leadership that allowed India to emerge as a favourite after getting shamed in a tri-series just before. That calm and composed attitude of a leader in times of despair inspired the team to victories. Dhoni, in what could be his last World Cup post match presentation ceremony gave another fleeting glimpse of his mindset. Read: 5 reasons India lost the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia

At one point Dhoni’s voice cracked; one could sense that tears would roll down any moment. But he resisted the pull of breaking down publicly; he knew if he cried, the team would too and the one thing Dhoni does best is to masterfully mask his teams weaknesses. Read: An open letter to MS Dhoni

(Rishad D’Souza, a reporter with CricketCountry, gave up hopes of playing Test cricket after a poor gully-cricket career. He now reports on the sport. You can follow @RishadDsouza on Twitter)