<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni's first coach Chanchal Bhattacharya today heaped praise on his beleaguered ward saying criticising the Indian skipper would be like questioning the run-making ability of Sachin Tendulkar.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 49-year-old Bhattacharya, under whom Dhoni made the life-changing switch from being a football goalkeeper to a wicketkeeper in 1995, feels the critics should refrain from making negative statements.<br /><br />"The other day (Sunil) Gavaskar was after Dhoni's captaincy and recently (after the win in Kochi) I've heard him saying there cannot be a captain like him," Bhattacharya told PTI.<br /><br />"Criticism is always welcome but it should be healthy. You should understand everyday is not a Sunday. He has given you all the titles -- from the World T20 title, the World Cup victory and being No 1 in Tests. It's like questioning the ability of Tendulkar's run-making skills."<br /><br />But looking at the tremendous workload of Dhoni, Bhattacharya said the Indian skipper can consider giving up one format by 2014.<br /><br />"Looking at World Cup 2015, I'm sure he's seriously thinking about giving up one format. However, we never spoke about it. It's been a long time -- since February -- that we las spoke," Bhattacharya said. <br /><br />Fans are all excited about seeing Ranchi's favourite son in his own backyard for the first time, but Bhattacharya is a little jittery.<br /><br />"Like any other coach, I'm nervous. I pray to God that he does well and the team wins on the day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.<br /><br />"Definitely there will be pressure for home ground for Mahi, but I still believe he would keep his cool demeanour and perform up to the expectations of thousands of fans."<br /><br />Recollecting Dhoni's childhood, Bhattacharya, who is the sports head in Central University of Jharkhand, said he had spotted the ability in the Indian skipper very early.<br /><br />"He was dedication personified. If I told him to make 10 laps, he would complete it at any cost. But at the same time, he's very down to earth and courteous, which is the hallmark of a leader.<br /><br />"I used to go to his school Jawahar Vidya Mandir. When I saw him first in 1995, he was a football goalkeeper and I asked him whether he would like to play cricket and do wicket-keeping," he said.<br /><br />"He batted at No 9 in the first match and did a good job behind the stumps and never looked back," Bhattacharya signed off.</p>
<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni's first coach Chanchal Bhattacharya today heaped praise on his beleaguered ward saying criticising the Indian skipper would be like questioning the run-making ability of Sachin Tendulkar.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The 49-year-old Bhattacharya, under whom Dhoni made the life-changing switch from being a football goalkeeper to a wicketkeeper in 1995, feels the critics should refrain from making negative statements.<br /><br />"The other day (Sunil) Gavaskar was after Dhoni's captaincy and recently (after the win in Kochi) I've heard him saying there cannot be a captain like him," Bhattacharya told PTI.<br /><br />"Criticism is always welcome but it should be healthy. You should understand everyday is not a Sunday. He has given you all the titles -- from the World T20 title, the World Cup victory and being No 1 in Tests. It's like questioning the ability of Tendulkar's run-making skills."<br /><br />But looking at the tremendous workload of Dhoni, Bhattacharya said the Indian skipper can consider giving up one format by 2014.<br /><br />"Looking at World Cup 2015, I'm sure he's seriously thinking about giving up one format. However, we never spoke about it. It's been a long time -- since February -- that we las spoke," Bhattacharya said. <br /><br />Fans are all excited about seeing Ranchi's favourite son in his own backyard for the first time, but Bhattacharya is a little jittery.<br /><br />"Like any other coach, I'm nervous. I pray to God that he does well and the team wins on the day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.<br /><br />"Definitely there will be pressure for home ground for Mahi, but I still believe he would keep his cool demeanour and perform up to the expectations of thousands of fans."<br /><br />Recollecting Dhoni's childhood, Bhattacharya, who is the sports head in Central University of Jharkhand, said he had spotted the ability in the Indian skipper very early.<br /><br />"He was dedication personified. If I told him to make 10 laps, he would complete it at any cost. But at the same time, he's very down to earth and courteous, which is the hallmark of a leader.<br /><br />"I used to go to his school Jawahar Vidya Mandir. When I saw him first in 1995, he was a football goalkeeper and I asked him whether he would like to play cricket and do wicket-keeping," he said.<br /><br />"He batted at No 9 in the first match and did a good job behind the stumps and never looked back," Bhattacharya signed off.</p>