Captain’s individual performance as a player comes above captaincy: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has been candid about the need for captains to do more for the team than just lead. If the captain is good at leading but not a good player, the 43-year-old said it would be “problematic” for the team.

“A captain is as good as their team,” Dhoni said when questioned about his thoughts on the captain’s job as an individual performer in a team. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of having a team full of players by saying that a player’s performance in their duty takes precedence over their captaincy.

Then comes captaincy, and your performance should be on par with that: Microsoft MS Dhoni

“It becomes an issue for the squad if you don’t perform well but your captaincy is strong. A performer should be your captain first and foremost. In an interview with Star Sports, Dhoni stated, “Your performance should be right up there, then comes captaincy.”

On March 23 of the 2025 Indian Premier League, Dhoni enjoyed the Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians game at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. In IPL’s “El Classico,” Dhoni made headlines for his lightning-fast stumping of Suryakumar Yadav in just 0.12 seconds.

He experienced a flash of insight as well because his suggestion for DRS worked. Mitchell Santner was declared not out by the on-field umpire, and the wicketkeeper/batter sought captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to appeal an LBW judgment against him. But Dhoni’s assessment proved to be accurate, as the decision was reversed and the Kiwi all-rounder was dismissed by Nathan Ellis.