Aakash Chopra reveals how young MS Dhoni impressed him almost two decades ago

And perhaps Dhoni’s mindset has moulded him to become one of the greatest servants of the game ever. And a recent revelation from former Indian batter Aakash Chopra indicates more towards that.

Chopra recently shared an old interaction between him and MS Dhoni back in 2004 during an India A tour in Kenya. Dinesh Karthik was up in the pecking order in the Indian team and Dhoni was bowling Karthik in the nets.

Chopra asked Dhoni why he was helping a direct rival for the team and Dhoni’s answer made the former realize that the two-time World Champion captain was destined for lofty heights.

“It was year 2004 when India A had the tour of Kenya and Zimbabwe. MS Dhoni was the reserve keeper and Dinesh Karthik played in the XI. Once as 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.

“He is 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 bowl to you too,'” Chopra continued.

Chopra says the mindset of Dhoni has been the fuel for his amazing achievements as a professional. He says the former India captain knew to focus on himself rather than on something which is out of control, which played the most pivotal part in his life.

Master of his own game, MS Dhoni continues to redefine greatness. The only competition he faces is the one in the mirror. ???????? #DhoniLegacy #Aakashvani pic.twitter.com/auGcAv81nt

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 19, 2023

“When I look back, I realized the meaning of that incident and understood why only he has been able to achieve what he has. Dhoni’s competitior 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,” Chopra concluded.

India won three ICC trophies during MS Dhoni’s tenure as captain. Dhoni recently led Chennai Super Kings to their 5th IPL title and looks set to play for at least another season in the Indian Premier League.