Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has never followed the conventional script since his retirement, and his latest statements only reinforce that image. Now 44, the three-time ICC trophy-winning skipper has spoken candidly about the famous post-retirement path of many legends, but he seems keen to escape. In a rare interaction, Dhoni explained why getting into the commentary box is more complicated than it seems and gave a glimpse into his thoughtful, guarded approach to the game even after retiring from international cricket.
Dhoni has largely stayed away from the public discussion of cricket since he took time off from his international career in 2020. Indian Premier League (IPL)it still comes out Chennai Super Kings (CSK)the former captain has kept a low profile. This reticence has often led to speculation as to whether or not he ever accepted the comment – a natural move for someone of his stature. But we are talking to a sports broadcaster Jatin SapruDhoni explained why the idea did not appeal to him.
“Comment is very difficult” Dhoni emphasized that the problem is not knowing the game, but the tone and responsibility that comes with analyzing it live.
At the heart of Dhoni’s hesitation is what he says is the “very fine line” that commentators must constantly walk. According to him, describing a match can easily devolve into criticizing the players – sometimes without the commentator realizing it.
“I feel like there’s a very fine line between describing a game and getting into a zone where you start criticizing the people who play the game in the process. It’s a very fine line.” Added the Ranchi-born cricketer.
He explained that while analysts intend to be honest and informative, the pressure of live commentary can lead to comments that feel personal to players on the field. Dhoni feels that staying on the safer side – simply describing what’s happening – is harder than it looks, especially when emotions and expectations are high.
“A lot of times you don’t even feel like what you’re doing is borderline wrong. You always want to be on the other side of where you’re describing the game. If you feel like something’s wrong, say so clearly,” Dhoni observed.
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Empathy is essential when teams are struggling
Dhoni also pointed out the emotional intelligence needed to be a good commentator. When a team loses, he always feels there are deeper reasons behind the performance, and explaining those reasons without sounding harsh is an art in itself.
According to him, commentary is not only about pointing out mistakes, but also about presenting it in context in such a way that no one feels special. Dhoni suggested that this balance requires sensitivity, restraint and the ability to choose words carefully – skills he feels are important but often underestimated.
“It’s an art, so to speak, how to politely bring it up where no one is being targeted. If a team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you have to be able to describe those reasons without making anyone feel bad. It’s the art of commentary,” MSD further added.
Another reason why Dhoni feels unsuited to the role is his relationship with statistics. Unlike many modern commentators who thrive on data and historical comparisons, Dhoni admits that he has never been deeply committed to numbers, not even his own.
He noted that there are experts who can easily recall stats by eras and teams, something he clearly says is not his forte. In a format where numbers often lead to narratives, Dhoni feels this gap will put him at a disadvantage.
“I’m not good with statistics. There are a lot of people who know statistics very well. They know statistics. If you ask me about my statistics, I’ll say hmm. There are certain people who know statistics not only about the Indian team or Indian players, but about the entire era.” the former captain explained.
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