In the world of cricket, the debate over the best captain of all time often sparks endless discussions among players and fans alike. Recently, former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard added his voice to the conversation, singling out legendary Indian cricketer as his choice for the greatest leader in the sport.
Kieron Pollard picks the best captain in cricket
Pollard, who has enjoyed an illustrious career with both the West Indies and in global T20 leagues, picked MS Dhoni as his pick. He admitted that he never shared a dressing room with Dhoni. However, he emphasized that even from a distance, Dhoni’s on-field acumen and calm decision-making left a lasting impression.
“Best cricket captain? I’ve never played alongside him, but I’ve seen some of his tactics on the cricket field, and I really enjoyed MS Dhoni. I’ve enjoyed his captaincy from afar, playing against him, being in the middle, seeing his tactics and stuff like that. For me, it has to be MS Dhoni,” Pollard shared in an interview with News24Sports.
Pollard’s admiration highlights Dhoni’s unique ability to influence not only his teammates but also his opponents. The former West Indies star, who has captained franchises and his national side, understands the immense challenges of leadership in modern cricket—making his praise for Dhoni even more significant.
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Glittering legacy as a skipper
Notably, Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2019, but his legacy as India’s most successful captain remains unparalleled. Leading India in 332 matches across formats, he registered 179 wins—a record that places him at the very top of Indian cricket’s leadership charts.
His captaincy was marked by several historic milestones:
- 2007 T20 World Cup triumph: Dhoni announced his arrival as a leader by guiding a young Indian team to victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa.
- 2011 ODI World Cup glory: Perhaps the most iconic moment of his career, Dhoni sealed the final against Sri Lanka with a match-winning six, ending India’s 28-year wait for the trophy.
- 2013 Champions Trophy success: Under his leadership, India became the first team to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments.
Beyond the trophies, Dhoni was celebrated for his calmness under pressure, astute field placements, and trust in nurturing young talent—a quality that resonates with Pollard’s remarks.
Although he stepped away from international cricket, Dhoni continues to inspire through the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2025 season, he turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), contributing 196 runs in 13 innings. While not in his prime, Dhoni’s influence in guiding the team and mentoring youngsters remains invaluable.
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