By: Bipin Dani

• MS Dhoni, famously known as 'Captain Cool,' has been the cornerstone of Indian cricket for over a decade. His calm demeanor and unparalleled leadership skills have steered India to numerous victories. However, behind the scenes, not all relationships have been as smooth.

Harbhajan Singh, the stalwart off-spinner, recently revealed a surprising fact: despite their long association on and off the field, he and Dhoni have not been on speaking terms for over a decade. This revelation has stirred the cricketing community, highlighting a rare instance of personal discord involving the usually unflappable Dhoni.

Harbhajan's admission sheds light on the complexities of professional sports, where intense competition and high-pressure situations can strain even the strongest bonds. It is believed that their fallout may have roots in on-field disagreements or differences in strategic perspectives during their time together in the Indian team and the Chennai Super Kings.

Another notable cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, has also had a somewhat frosty relationship with Dhoni. Gambhir, known for his fiery temperament and straightforwardness, has been vocal about his differences with Dhoni. The rift reportedly stems from disagreements on batting order and team strategy, particularly during crucial matches.

Yuvraj Singh, celebrated as one of India's finest all-rounders, is known to have experienced some differences with MS Dhoni. Despite his significant contribution to India's victory in the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj felt that he did not receive sufficient support during his comeback to international cricket after battling cancer.

In a candid conversation on the Ranveer Allahbadia podcast last year, Yuvraj opened up about his relationship with Dhoni. He mentioned that their friendship was largely built around cricket. Due to their vastly different lifestyles, Yuvraj believed that outside of the sport, their paths wouldn't naturally cross, highlighting the unique nature of their bond.
These instances remind us that even in a team sport like cricket, personal dynamics can be as unpredictable as the game itself. While fans see the camaraderie and collective celebrations on the field, the off-field relationships often have their own set of challenges and complexities.

However, these revelations have no bearing on Dhoni's two personal coaches. Here's what they have to say :

Chanchal Bhattacharya, who has known MS Dhoni since his early days in cricket, offers a unique perspective as Dhoni's childhood coach.

"Dhoni has had a remarkable 15-year career in international cricket, and I have never heard of him having any disputes with fellow players. Apart from being teammates, Dhoni and Harbhajan also shared time together at Ritik Sports.

"While it's possible that Harbhajan and Dhoni may have had some disagreements over field placements during matches, I find it hard to believe that they were not on speaking terms," Bhattacharya asserted.

Kajal Das, under whose guidance MS Dhoni played in the Ranji Trophy, shares insightful reflections on Dhoni's demeanor and personality.

"I have never seen Dhoni be rude to anyone. He possesses a very strong character while being soft at heart. People often wonder why he's known as 'cool'. It's because he always maintains a smile and never comes across as arrogant," Das remarked.

This perspective from Dhoni's early coaching days highlights the consistent qualities that have earned Dhoni his "Captain Cool" moniker. His ability to remain composed and kind, even in high-pressure situations, has always been a defining feature of his personality both on and off the field.

Despite these personal rifts, Dhoni's legacy as a leader and a cricketer remains untarnished. His ability to remain composed under pressure and lead by example has earned him the respect and admiration of millions. As for the players who have had their differences with him, these stories add another layer to the intricate tapestry of cricketing narratives, reflecting the human side of the sport we all love.