MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most successful cricket captains, have distinct leadership styles that have shaped their teams’ performances.
Dhoni, known for his calm and composed demeanor, believes in empowering his players and allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Harbhajan Singh, who played under Dhoni, recalled an incident where Dhoni refused to intervene when Shardul Thakur was being hit for boundaries. Instead, Dhoni let Thakur learn from his errors.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma is a more hands-on captain who actively communicates with his players and provides them with confidence. Harbhajan highlighted Rohit’s ability to connect with each player and instill a belief in their abilities.
Rohit’s experience as captain of Mumbai Indians for over a decade and the Indian team for the past few years has honed his leadership skills. He has successfully led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, ending the country’s long wait for an ICC trophy.
While Dhoni’s approach focuses on individual growth and self-reliance, Rohit’s style emphasizes communication, support, and a shared vision. Both captains have achieved remarkable success, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership.
Dhoni’s golden era with the Indian team from 2007 to 2013 saw India rise to the top of the world rankings in Tests and win the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. Rohit, on the other hand, has led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and is expected to guide the team to further glory in the future.
