MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s most illustrious cricket captains, have both brought home ICC trophies during their leadership tenures. Dhoni began his storied captaincy career by winning the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007. Under his guidance, India also clinched the ODI World Cup in 2011 and secured the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2013. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma led India to their second T20 world title, overpowering South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
As these accomplishments have drawn attention to their leadership styles, cricket pundits and fans have often compared the captaincy of Dhoni and Rohit. Harbhajan Singh, former India spinner and 2011 World Cup winner, is the latest to weigh in on this ongoing discussion. During a recent episode of the podcast “Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli,” Harbhajan shared his insights and highlighted the distinctive approaches of both captains.
“Dhoni and Rohit are completely different leaders,” Harbhajan remarked. Reflecting on Dhoni’s leadership style, he recalled how the former skipper preferred to let players learn from their mistakes rather than providing constant guidance. “MS Dhoni will never go to a player and ask him what field you want. He will let you learn from your mistakes,” Harbhajan stated.
One particular incident stands out in Harbhajan’s memory. During a game where he was fielding at short fine leg and Dhoni was keeping wickets, Shardul Thakur was bowling, and Kane Williamson hit a boundary off the very first ball. “Next ball, same length, and Williamson played the same shot,” Harbhajan recounted. Concerned, Harbhajan suggested to Dhoni that Shardul should try a different length. However, Dhoni’s response was characteristically pragmatic: “‘Paji, if I will tell him now, then he will never learn. Let him learn by himself.’” Dhoni believed that players would absorb lessons more quickly through personal experience, a hallmark of his leadership philosophy. “That was MS Dhoni’s way,” Harbhajan emphasized.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma’s leadership style involves a more direct and communicative approach. According to Harbhajan, Rohit is known for his proactive engagement with players, offering encouragement and clear expectations. “Rohit is very different.
. He will go and talk to each player,” Harbhajan explained. “He is someone who will put his arm around your shoulder and tell you what he wants from you. He will give you that confidence that yes, you can do it.”
This method falls in line seamlessly with the generally accepted managerial theory which posits that creating a personal bond with team members can boost morale and performance. Rohit’s willingness to connect individually with players and offer positive reinforcement cultivates an environment of confidence and mutual trust.
The comparison between Dhoni and Rohit’s captaincy extends beyond the methods they employ on the field and delves into their overall demeanor as leaders. Dhoni’s calm and composed nature under pressure has earned him the moniker “Captain Cool.” This temperament allowed him to make level-headed decisions during critical moments, contributing significantly to his success as a captain. His reliance on players to independently find solutions reflects his leadership belief that self-reliance builds stronger, more resilient team members.
On the other hand, Rohit’s persona is more approachable and expressive, often seen with a smile or a word of encouragement for his teammates. His leadership is marked by emotional intelligence, effectively understanding and managing his own emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of his team members. This approach helps create a cohesive and supportive team dynamic, as players feel valued and understood.
Harbhajan’s observations bring to light that both leadership styles have their strengths and have been effective in bringing success to the Indian cricket team in different ways. Dhoni’s strategy of allowing players to learn from their experiences helps them to develop problem-solving skills and grow independently. In contrast, Rohit’s hands-on mentoring fosters a supportive and motivational team environment.
The efficacy of both styles highlights an essential lesson in leadership: adaptability and understanding the needs of the team are key. While Dhoni’s method emphasizes self-reliance and learning through adversity, Rohit’s approach underscores the importance of communication and emotional support.
As cricket continues to evolve, the contributions of both Dhoni and Rohit as captains will remain significant. Their contrasting yet successful styles exemplify that there is no single blueprint for leadership. Instead, effective leadership is about leveraging one’s strengths to inspire and propel the team towards victory. Harbhajan’s comparison offers a valuable perspective on the diverse ways leaders can achieve success.
