JOIN US"Dhoni has achieved many laurels for the country but I want him to win ODI World Cup next year in front of the countrymen. That will make him an accomplished captain. And he will become the best ever captain in all format of the game," Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, the coach from DAV school Ranchi told PTI Bhasha.
Incidentally, Banerjee was the one who inspired Dhoni to be a cricketer. Dhoni initially used to play badminton and football. He was the goalkeeper for DAV schools's football team. But after seeing his goalkeeping skills, Banerjee picked him to play cricket for his school team.
"If Dhoni managed to win the World Cup next year, all my dreams will be fulfilled. India had been waiting for this moment for 27 years and this team is capable of winning the trophy," he said.
Banerjee also feels that under Dhoni's captaincy India can register first ever Test series victory in South Africa. "Indian players have enough experience of playing on South African soil. I am sure we will win first ever Test series under Dhoni's captaincy there. It will also boost our morale prior to the World Cup," said the veteran coach.
According to him the biggest qualities of Dhoni are his ice-cool temperament and down to earth attitude.
"He has been very cool since the childhood and that makes him a good leader. He believes in team spirit and never set any individual goals. He has become the biggest brand of Indian cricket but remains the same. He has not changed a bit, which is really commendable," Banerjee added.
He also revealed that Dhoni never forgets to send prizes to best athletes in his school. "He made it a point to sent 6–7 track suits each year, which are being given to the students who excel in sports, at the annual function.
"We never had to remind him about it. This has become a tradition now," said Banerjee. The coach added that Dhoni did not achieve the stardom and success by luck only but has actually worked very hard for it.
"He was a footballer initially but I thought that he can be a good cricketer. Frankly, I had never imagined him to be here. It is his dedication and hard work which paid off. He was a good wicketkeeper and when he started taking interest in cricket, he worked hard on his batting as well to get selected in Indian team.
"His father wanted him to excel in studies also. So he always used to give Dhoni instructions of getting good marks if he wanted to continue playing. And he always got good marks and also achieved accolades on the field," said Banerjee.
Banerjee said that although he might have his name attached with bollywood actresses but he was never distracted by girls. "Never. He was content playing cricket and hanging out with friends. Our school was co-ed but we never saw him talking with any girl."