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Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid saw a leader in Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Both Tendulkar and Dravid were impressed by the sharp insights of the wicketkeeper-batsman.

Standing in the slip cordon with young Dhoni, then skipper Rahul Dravid was open to suggestion from the Jharkhand boy on field placings and other strategical aspects of the game. (Source: PTI)

Dilip Vengsarkar, the then chief selector, is credited with having the vision to chose MS Dhoni as skipper, first for the inaugural edition of the World T20, as Dravid’s deputy for the England tour and finally as Kumble’s replacement as Test captain in late 2008.

But ask Vengsarkar and he will tell you that Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid played a role in Dhoni’s elevation. While standing in earshot distance of the slip cordon that included Tendulkar, Dravid and VVS Laxman, a young Dhoni showed early signs of being a good reader of the game.

Dhoni had never captained his state side but did not hesitate in giving suggestions on field placings, who to bowl and even on how to set up a particular batsman. Dravid was captain for the first two seasons of Dhoni’s Test career but he was open to suggestions that came from Dhoni which were often routed through the senior-most player in the side, Tendulkar.

Both Tendulkar and Dravid were impressed by the sharp insights of the wicketkeeper-batsman.

Vengsarkar didn’t know Dhoni personally but was impressed by his body language and the confidence with which he batted and had envisioned the boy from Jharkhand leading India one day.

However, he decided to consult the two senior batsmen, who were lavish in their praise of Dhoni’s sharp cricketing brain. The nod from two of the best convinced Vengsarkar that Dhoni was cut out to be a leader.

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