Former India opener Virender Sehwag has praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni for his unbothered attitude towards personal milestones in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sehwag believes that achieving the 5000-run milestone in the IPL won't make a difference to the former India captain, as he prioritizes team success over individual records.
During CSK's match against Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni crossed the 5000-run mark with a quick three-ball 12-run knock, becoming the first specialist wicketkeeper to achieve this milestone in the history of the IPL. However, Sehwag pointed out that for Dhoni, the number of runs he scores is secondary to winning the championship.
"If you ask MS Dhoni, he will ask what difference it makes, whether he has scored 5000, 3000 or 7000 runs, the important thing is to win the trophy, which he has done. I don't think he goes after or thinks about milestones," Sehwag said during the post-match show on Star Sports.
Sehwag further highlighted that records and milestones are often remembered and appreciated after retirement, and he himself had a similar approach during his playing days.
"I was also like that. Who knows how many runs have been scored but it is true that these numbers are remembered later. When you retire, it is remembered that this player scored so many runs in the IPL," he added.
Dhoni's achievement of crossing the 5000-run mark in the IPL also puts him in an elite group of Indian cricketers, as he becomes the fifth Indian and overall the seventh player to achieve this feat. The other players in the list are Virat Kohli (6706), Shikhar Dhawan (6284), David Warner (5937), Rohit Sharma (5880), Suresh Raina (5528), and AB de Villiers (5162).
Notably, Dhoni is the only player among the seven to have achieved this milestone while batting in the lower-middle order, which Sehwag finds commendable.
"The expectation is that the top-order batters will score the most runs. MS Dhoni comes in the middle order or lower-middle order and he has scored 5000 runs. No player might be able to score so many runs while playing at that number. He is consistent, scores runs and wins matches for his team. He is a very big player," Sehwag praised Dhoni.
Dhoni's selfless approach towards the game and his focus on team success over personal milestones have been widely acknowledged by cricketing pundits and fans alike. As he continues to lead CSK in the IPL, Dhoni's leadership and contributions on the field continue to inspire and earn him respect in the cricketing fraternity. Overall, Dhoni's achievement of crossing the 5000-run mark in the IPL is a testament to his consistent performances and valuable contributions to his team's success throughout his illustrious career. However, as Sehwag rightly pointed out, for Dhoni, it is the team's triumphs and not individual milestones that truly matter. So, while the numbers and records may be remembered, it is Dhoni's selfless and team-oriented approach that truly defines his legacy in the IPL.