Dilip Vengsarkar, who played a masterstroke by appointing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain of India national cricket team in 2007, hails the skipper as a perfect ambassador of cricket
MS Dhoni, Dilip Vengsarkar
MSâÂÂÂÂu00c2u0080ÂÂÂÂu00c2u0088Dhoni, who led India to World Cup and World T20 titles, stepped down as skipper from both formats
Dilip Vengsarkar, the man who played a masterstroke in appointing Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain of India in 2007, hailed India's limited overs skipper as the perfect ambassador for Indian cricket.
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Last night, Vengsarkar (60) was informed by mid-day about Dhoni's decision to quit as captain of the ODI and T20 set-up while he was speaking to us about his own resignation as vice-president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
Also read: End of an era! MS Dhoni springs another suprise, quits as limited overs captain
"Dhoni was outstanding; easily one of the best leaders we've had," remarked Vengsarkar, who was chairman of selectors in 2007 when India, under Dhoni clinched the inaugural ICC World T20 event in South Africa.
Dilip Vengsarkar
Dhoni went on to take charge of all three formats of the game and led India to numero uno status in each of them. Did Dhoni's all-round success as captain amaze him?
"Not really," shot back Vengsarkar. "When you pick a guy, you do so because he has potential. He is expected to succeed and that's what Dhoni did.
Also Read: Dhoni has set an example in Indian cricket for others to follow: Kiran More
"When a player who you pick fails, it is disappointing for a selector because again, you selected him for his potential. I will say Dhoni never disappointed me," said Vengsarkar, who also picked Virat Kohli for a one-day international series in Sri Lanka during the 2008 season.
Vengsarkar's MCA resignation was caused by the Lodha Committee reforms that restrict a cricket administrator's term to nine years. The former India batsman and captain, who figured in 116 Tests didn't exactly admit to being sad.
"Let's put it this way: I am not satisfied. I would have loved to do more for Mumbai cricket," he said.
Vengsarkar stressed his passion for the game has not been chipped at with his resignation as vice-president of the MCA which he had ambitions of heading.
"I will do anything for cricket! I have run my academy successfully for more than 20 years and that will continue," he concluded.
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