When MS Dhoni bowled ‘competitor’ Dinesh Karthik in the nets, the former cricketer recalled the former India captain’s first overseas tour in 2004

Former India captain MS Dhoni first came into limelight with his fireworks with the bat in 2004 on the India ‘A’ tour of Kenya and Zimbabwe. The India ‘A’ Tour was one of the first tours in India to be telecast live on TV. Dhoni scored two brilliant hundreds in the triangular 50-over tournament against the Pakistan ‘A’ team led by another former captain – Misbah-ul-Haq.

Dhoni scored 120 off 122 balls and 119 off 134 balls against the Pakistan A team, besides a 70 against arch-rivals in the triangular tournament which also included Kenya. The knock everyone saw in India as well, catapulted Dhoni to the national level and eventually made it to Team India

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was also part of the India ‘A’ team led by former India and Mumbai leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule. Dinesh Karthik was way ahead of MS Dhoni when it comes to the wicketkeeping department, but that didn’t stop Dhoni from helping DK hone his skills in the nets while batting.

Chopra recalled asking Dhoni why he was helping a direct rival for the team and Dhoni’s reply made the former realize that the two-time world champion captain was destined for great things.

“It was the year 2004 when India A toured Kenya and Zimbabwe. MS Dhoni was the reserve keeper and Dinesh Karthik played in the XI. Once when he was bowling to Karthik in the nets, I asked Dhoni ‘Why are you bowling to him?’, Chopra said in a video shared on his Twitter profile.

A master of his game, MS Dhoni continues to redefine greatness. The only competition he faces is in the mirror. , #Dhoni Legacy #Oracle pic.twitter.com/auGcAv81nt— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 19, 2023

“‘He’s your direct competition. If he does well you don’t play in the XI. You should practice batting or keeping. Why bowling?’ To this Dhoni said, “Please don’t stop me. I want to bowl. If you want to bat, you can, I will also bowl to you.”

Chopra says Dhoni’s mindset has been the fuel for his amazing achievements as a professional. He says that the former India captain knew how to focus on himself instead of focusing on things that were out of control.

“When I look back, I understand the meaning of that incident and understand why only he has been able to achieve what he has. Dhoni’s competition was not Dinesh Karthik or anyone else. It was Dhoni himself. So there’s the lesson. Be the best version of yourself because you are your biggest competition,” concluded Chopra.

Dhoni led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title and the 2007 T20 World Cup crown, apart from winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Now, even at the age of 41, Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title by winning the IPL 2023 final.