In an era where workload management is a significant concern in Indian cricket, exemplified by fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, the legendary MS Dhoni had already developed his own effective strategies. Dhoni, who debuted for India in 2004, quickly established himself as a dependable wicketkeeper-batter, leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy, while also captaining the Test team to the No. 1 ranking. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar revealed that Dhoni adapted his approach mid-career. Recognizing the relentless demands of playing across all formats, Dhoni reduced his wicketkeeping practice, focusing instead on reaction drills to maintain sharpness. This strategic shift, along with his retirement from Test cricket in 2014, extended his career and allowed him to remain at the peak of his game for many years. Dhoni’s wicketkeeping statistics showcase his extraordinary skill, with 1,286 dismissals in 959 professional matches. He continues to lead CSK in the IPL, demonstrating the ongoing impact of his ability to adapt and manage his workload effectively.
