Bhajji: In 2007, MSD was a new captain but great listener

Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni

Ahead of next month's T20 World Cup, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh delved into the details of ex-captain MS Dhoni's leadership skills that made Men in Blue the inaugural champions of the format back in 2007.

In the nail-biting summit clash between the two arch-rivals - India and Pakistan, the result was decided on the final over as Dhoni-led side won the match by five runs in Johannesburg, South Africa. The veteran spinner credited Dhoni for his decision-making and involving team members before taking the final call. "Not many people know, Dhoni was a very new captain, so he needed that support from all of us. Before matches against teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England, our core group would get together during the game to strategies for the next few overs," Harbhajan said in a special Star Sports Press Room.

Recalling the memory, the-43-year old complimented Dhoni's collective leadership skills behind picking the right bowler for the final over of the summit clash. "Back then, batters didn't score 25 runs in an over unlike today. The decision-making was always a team effort. When you play together as a united team, you win more competitions. Dhoni was a great listener, taking collective decisions that benefited the team. It was never about individual performances but about playing as ‘we'," he said.

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