A masterly work !

Dr Graham Ranger

Veteran journalist, Kishin Wadhwaney, is to be congratulated on publishing his 30th book, and a very fine one to boot. Regular readers will warm up to the skilful blend of analysis and match-by-match, series-by-series synopses, all related to the character and achievements, highlights and the (relatively) lower lights signalling the pathway followed by irrepressible M.S. Dhoni.
Characteristic of Wadhwaney's style is his anti-authoritarian stance, ever seeking to expose injustice, corruption and the downright inadequacies of many of cricket's bureaucrats. Here though is a carefully crafted analytical commentary on the relationship between Dhoni the man and Dhoni the cricketer and leader of cricketers.
Destiny is a concept embedded in Independent India's psyche, cultures and beliefs, the inevitable happening of an event in the future. Immortalised by Nehru in one of the greatest ever political speeches, at one of the most significant moments in the history of modern India, the eve of independence from the British colonisers, writers return to it readily as the idea resonates with readers.
Wadhwaney provides a searching analysis of M.S. Dhoni's fulfilment of his destiny, both as a leader and as a wicket-keeper batsman. The author draws on his extensive experience as a sports journalist as well as an author to position the contribution and legacy of MSD in the canon of wicket-keeper batsmen and in the context of the Indian (Test) selectors' loyalty or the lack of it to their stumpers.

Wadhwaney provides a searching analysis of M.S. Dhoni's fulfilment of his destiny, both as a leader and as a wicket-keeper batsman.

The author identifies limited overs cricket as the catalyst for the changing role of the keeperb a t sma n / b a t sma n - k e e p e r . However, I think the change came about through the force of personality rather than a change in the game's structure and diversity. I consider the change to be more singularly attributable to the dash of the Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, an inspiration to many of those who followed him and a definite gamechanger in all meanings of the phrase.

K.R.Wadhwaney The author produces an insightful guide to the character of MS Dhoni, the man as well as the cricketer. While it is obvious that the two are inevitably intertwined, Wadhwaney writes with warmth, respect and affection for Dhoni, highlighting the character, integrity and qualities of M.S. Dhoni as a human being, emanating from his supportive and steadfast family, his relatively unglamorous background from Ranchi and his faith.

This is, of course, deserved: MSD's legacy comes from his leadership of India to serious highs in world cricket as well as the style of the man, perhaps primarily as a leader and batsman, rather than wicketkeeper. However, Dhoni's keeping abilities are not neglected. Rather, it is because the highs and the sense of predestined triumphs are attributed more explicitly to his batting and his captaincy, rather than his keeping.
Serious questions that occupy the mind of many a cricket lover are discussed: should a captain be picked from the best 11, in classic Australian style, or should the captain be picked first and help shape the 11? Player first or captain first? Should the best player be captain, aka Sachin or Virat Kohli, or should the captain be worthy of his place on account of his abilty to inspire others and his ability as a master tactician? The English philosophercaptain Mike Brearley comes to mind with his ability to bring out the best in Ian Botham, who was previously named as captain himself on account of his allround playing ability, with disastrous consequences.
MS Dhoni has put Ranchi on the world map. Few outside of India would have heard of the town previously, and many now will only have done so because of MSD. His achievements are even greater because of his humility, his 'team-first' mentality and his bravery. Wadhwaney is up-to-date, drawing on all forms of the game, including T20 (IPL and international) to give a rounded assessment of Dhoni's legacy. Not a child protegy, at first a footballer rather than a cricketer, not from a metro, Dhoni changed the cricketing landscape and helped send India to the summit of the rankings.

Sachin identified the leader in Dhoni and advocated for him wisely and in a timely manner. In time, Dhoni himself saw exactly when the time was right to stand down and pass on the leadership baton to Virat Kohli ; he once again showed the ability and the emotional intelligence few possess.

The book culminates for me in a crescendo, describing the World Cup Final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium Mumbai in 2011. The descriptions are evocative, painting the picture to enable the cricket-lover to reimagine her/himself there at the stadium. The Final epitomised Dhoni's bravery and his ability to follow his judgement through to a successful conclusion. In this case, he promoted himself above the in-form Yuvraj Singh in the batting order, and timed the run pursuit to perfection, seeing India home to the World Cup by clearing the ropes.
Not only that, Dhoni's immaculate sense of timing and pacing of an innings for his team meant that the Cup was won dramatically. Every cricketer dreams of hitting the winning six to lead their country home: Dhoni has lived that dream and triumphed through it.
Sachin identified the leader in Dhoni and advocated for him wisely and in a timely manner.
In time, Dhoni himself saw exactly when the time was right to stand down and pass on the leadership baton to Virat Kohli ; he once again showed the ability and the emotional intelligence few possess. What is next for MSD? A career in politics? A statesman? His leadership qualities and his ability to bring the best out of others will be valuably harnessed for the good of the common man. Time will tell but for now, I urge you to read this book to gain insights into one of the most prominent cricketing leaders of his generation. Wadhwaney has produced a masterly work, incisive views supported by a detailed analysis of international and other matches that showed MSD's impact and legacy on the world game.
Child of destiny? It depends. Foreign fans will see it as such: railway ticket collector to national captain, fulfilling his destiny to lead India to greatness and be immortalised not just for doing so but also for leading and playing cricket in a style others will attempt to emulate.

Dr. Graham Ranger is a cricket fan and a lover of Indian cricket. He currently lives and works in Chantilly, France.