In a candid reflection on India’s cricket management hierarchy, former captain Sourav Ganguly named MS Dhoni as the nation’s best white-ball captain. Speaking at the TV9 WITT Summit 2026, Ganguly put aside his own formidable legacy to provide a definitive answer to the long-debated comparison between the two icons.
During the discussion. Ganguly used the ultimate metric of success to rank MS Dhoni higher than other Indian captains: silverware.
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“MS Dhoni won the World Cup while I finished second,” Ganguly said, referring to India’s 2011 triumph. compared to the 2003 final where India lost to Australia.
“He led India in three World Cups. There was no T20I cricket in our time – only the Champions Trophy and the World Cup. But MS Dhoni won the World Cup and I would say he was an outstanding white-ball captain.”
Dhoni, who made his international debut under Ganguly in 2004, led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2007, 2011 ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2013, making him the first and only captain to compete with the white ball in the three-peat.
Ganguly, now serving as chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee and head coach of the Pretoria Capitals, also expressed special pride in Dhoni’s roots. Hailing from Jharkhand – a region then largely overlooked by national selectors – Dhoni’s rise served as a catalyst for a new generation of talent.
“I am proud that he came from a small place like Jharkhand. Before him, not many players from there represented the country. To come from there and become such a legend is something to be proud of,” he said.
He highlighted the “Dhoni effect” on contemporary stars like Ishan Kishan and teenage prodigies like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, noting that Dhoni built the confidence to make others believe.
“When someone from the state makes it at the highest level, it creates an impact — it builds confidence. ‘If Mahi can do it, so can I.’ Take Vaibhav Suryavanshi for example. Yes, he is from Bihar, but he must have grown up watching Dhoni,” Ganguly said.
Dhoni played 12 ODIs under Ganguly and scored 418 runs at a strike rate of 107.45. Interestingly, Ganguly also played under Dhoni towards the twilight of his career, scoring 530 runs in 12 matches at an average of 40.76. Dhoni led India in Ganguly’s farewell Test in November 2008.
GANGULY FANS OF YOUNG DHONI
While the world came to admire Dhoni’s ‘Captain Cool’ persona, Ganguly admitted his personal preference for the dashing wicketkeeper-batsman who burst onto the scene with long hair and a fearless attitude.
“I liked the young Dhoni more than the mature Dhoni because I haven’t seen many players who can hit sixes so effortlessly. The long-haired MS Dhoni – under pressure he could clear the ropes at will,” he said.
For the Gangulys, Dhoni’s success is also a point of regional pride.
“I feel proud because I am from Bengal and he is from Jharkhand. These regions have not produced as many cricketers as places like Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru. That is why I am very proud of MS Dhoni.”
Dhoni will return to competitive action in IPL 2026. At the age of 44, the former India captain continues his work for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday, March 30.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
25 March 2026 21:30 IST
