'Cool Dhoni a lesson for snarling Rooney'

In an interesting comparison between two high-profile sportspersons, a leading newspaper here asked the question whether Rooney can learn a thing or two from Dhoni on how to react under pressure situations.

Rooney, who was handed a two-match ban after he swore repeatedly at a television camera in an English Premier League match on Saturday, earns about 42 million pound sterling over five years but his behaviour has come in for severe criticism.

On the other hand, Dhoni has shown immense calm amid intense pressure to lead the Indian team to cricket World Cup glory.

“On the same Saturday, over on the other side of the world, another man was under more pressure than even Rooney could imagine. A small town-boy, sturdy, stubbly and with a most magnificent nose, M S Dhoni was leading India in their pursuit of the cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka,” a write-up in ‘The Daily Telegraph’ said.

“India expected, the astrologers had predicted, it was now up to Dhoni to orchestrate victory. This victory, it was said, would unite the nation and give Tendulkar his first World Cup at probably his last tournament,” Tanya Aldred wrote.

The author acknowledge there was not seat left in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and over 67.6 million were watching on TV in India. “The din was transcendental, the weight on Dhoni’s shoulders oppressive. Yet there he was, ridiculously, unbelievably, calm,” Tanya added.

“Could Rooney learn from him? Who knows... Only he can decide whether he wants his legacy to be that of a brilliant footballer who fulfilled his youthful promise or as a talent tarnished by his inability to control his temper,” the write-up said.