Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has recognized MS Dhoni as the finest white-ball captain in the history of Indian cricket. This statement came during the TV9 WITT Summit 2026, where Ganguly reflected on his own achievements and compared them to Dhoni’s impressive record. He emphasized the significance of trophies in determining success, stating that Dhoni’s accomplishments outshine those of his predecessors.

In highlighting Dhoni’s success, Ganguly pointed to India’s triumph in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, noting that while he has experienced being a runner-up during the 2003 tournament, Dhoni has led the national team to victory in three major events. Ganguly stated that, during his own time, the cricketing landscape was different with no T20 internationals, thus the pressure was centered on both the ICC Champions Trophy and the World Cup. He described Dhoni as “an outstanding white-ball captain.”

MS Dhoni’s Journey from Jharkhand

Dhoni, who made his international debut in 2004 under Ganguly’s leadership, went on to lead India to remarkable victories, including the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013—making him the only captain to accomplish this trifecta in white-ball cricket. Ganguly expressed immense pride in Dhoni’s origins from Jharkhand, a state that until Dhoni’s ascent had few representatives in national cricket.

Ganguly remarked that Dhoni’s success has inspired a new wave of talent from regions previously overlooked by selectors. He noted, “I am proud that he came from a small place like Jharkhand… To come from there and become such a legend is something to be proud of.” Ganguly also discussed the “Dhoni effect,” which has instilled confidence in current players like Ishan Kishan and younger talents such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

The Impact of Regional Representation

Ganguly underlined the influence Dhoni’s achievements have had on young cricketers, stating that when someone from a less-represented state reaches great heights, it boosts the confidence of aspiring athletes. He mentioned that young players, inspired by Dhoni’s success, might think, “If Mahi can do it, I can do it.” This sentiment resonates strongly in the context of players hailing from states like Bihar, highlighting how Dhoni’s journey paved the way for their dreams.

Dhoni played 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) under Ganguly, scoring 418 runs with an impressive strike rate. Interestingly, Ganguly also played later in his career under Dhoni’s captaincy, accumulating 530 runs in 12 matches. Dhoni was at the helm during Ganguly’s final Test match in November 2008, marking a notable transition in Indian cricket leadership.

A Personal Connection to Young Dhoni

While acknowledging Dhoni’s iconic persona as “Captain Cool,” Ganguly expressed a particular fondness for the young Dhoni, known for his long hair and bold style of play. He noted, “I liked the young Dhoni more than the mature Dhoni because I haven’t seen many players who could hit sixes so effortlessly.” For Ganguly, this admiration stems from both a professional and regional pride, since both cricketers hail from areas that have not traditionally produced as many cricketers as major cities such as Mumbai or Delhi.

MS Dhoni, now 44, is set to return to competitive cricket in the IPL 2026 with the Chennai Super Kings. Their campaign will kick off with a match against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, adding another chapter to Dhoni’s storied career.

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