MSK Prasad recalls an incident which proves MS Dhoni’s dedication to the game

MS Dhoni's place in the team has been under a lot of scrutiny after his failure to perform in the 50-over format for almost two years. However, with his latest performances, the former Indian skipper has silenced all his critics. In the last two ODIs against Sri Lanka, he not only kept his nerves under severe pressure but also ensured India’s win on both occasions. Earlier, fielding coach R Sridhar and head coach Ravi Shastri has mentioned about how Dhoni left no stone unturned while preparing for each and every game. Now, MSK Prasad has revealed an incident which further explains Dhoni’s commitment towards the country.

“While training at the gym late in the night, Dhoni picked up weights and suddenly there was a catch in his back and fell with the weight. Thankfully, the weight did not fall on him. He could not walk, he was literally crawling. He pressed the alarm bell, and the medical staff immediately came and attended him. He was taken on stretcher,” Prasad recalled as reported by The Indian Express.

"As I reached Dhaka, the journalists questioned about Dhoni and I had no answers. The game against Pakistan was crucial, that too, it was on a seaming track. So, I went to Dhoni’s room to know what the issue was. He said, ‘don’t worry MSK bhai.’ I even asked him what should I tell the scribes, and the answer again was ‘don’t worry MSK bhai.’ I asked him whether we should call for a replacement, and he again told me not to worry.”

While MSK Prasad's concern for Dhoni is justified given that he is the selector, he also knew the importance of the India-Pakistan game and he wanted him in the final team.

“There was so much pressure before a big match. The next morning I went to his room and he told me not to worry. But I felt things were not right. (As a selector) I couldn’t take Dhoni’s words for granted, so I called up the then chief selector Sandeep Patil and told him the situation. Immediately, Parthiv Patel was sent in as a replacement. By evening, Parthiv had joined the team.

“I went to his room in the evening and he was just trying to get up from his bed. I asked him if things are alright. As per the Asia Cup rules, we had to submit the team list 24 hours before a game, so I had to check on him. He clearly said that he would play,” he added.

Prasad went back to meet Dhoni once again as he wanted a clear picture but the condition of the wicket keeper-batsman was not good. 

“Again at 11pm, when I went to his room, he was not there. Fortunately, I went to the top floor and I saw Dhoni was trying hard to walk towards the swimming pool. He was literally crawling. Dhoni said he was trying to walk. I was thinking how could he even think of playing when he could barely walk. Dhoni looked at me and said, ‘don’t worry, you have anyway got Parthiv without telling me. So, you are safe,” Prasad revealed.

Dhoni again didn’t miss a chance to surprise everyone as he was padded up and ready for the mega game. 

“Before the team was announced in the afternoon, Dhoni was all dressed up for the game. He called me to his room and asked me why was I worrying so much? Then he said, even if my one leg is not there, I will still play against Pakistan.”

Under Dhoni's leadership, India managed to secure a 5-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan.

“This is what Dhoni is made of,” Prasad concluded.