
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably India’s most successful captain, having led the team to all of the ICC trophies. From 2007 to 2017, Dhoni led India to many future stars, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Virat Kohli may be India’s most successful Test captain. Dhoni may not have replicated Kohli’s Test success, particularly those achieved away from home, but India recorded some memorable victories under Dhoni’s captaincy.
The victory at Lord’s in 2014 was the one that Dhoni and his team remembered the most. Dhoni’s India returned to England three years later, having been whitewashed 0-4 in 2011, and took a 1-0 lead, defeating the hosts by 95 runs.
The Lord’s test is remembered for Ravindra Jadeja’s sword celebration, which resulted in a sparkling half-century, and Ishant Sharma’s career-best bowling figures of 7/74, which resulted in England being bundled out for 223 runs.
During a recent conversation on Cricbuzz’s ‘Rise of New India,’ Ishant revealed his conversation with MS Dhoni during his dream spell.
“I have many favourite spells, especially the one I bowled at Lord’s. When Moeen Ali got out before lunch, Mahi bhai came to me. Actually, I would tell you what happened before. We were heading towards the dressing room when Mahi bhai told me to keep it normal. If nothing works, then we’ll go back to bowling bouncers. I said fine. He asked me ‘Thakega toh nahi?’ (You won’t get tired, right?) I said I will bowl as long as you want me to. I will bowl till the match doesn’t get over. He too got charged up,” Ishant said.
“Then we went inside the dressing room. Duncan, Mahi bhai and I were sitting and talking. Then Duncan and Mahi bhai he asked me ‘Will you bowl again?’ I said I bowl till the game. He again said ‘But no, you are human. You will get tired’. I insisted No. If I get tired, carry me out on a stretcher. I won’t walk back till the game doesn’t end. So hearing it he too felt how long can he bowl bouncers. Fine, his motivation and adrenaline are high right now. But how long can he go till? So I kept bowling. Well, it’s a different thing that I got injured,” added Ishant.