“Stop comparing Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) with the former captains,” says former batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. He believes that Dhoni is the best Indian captain that Indian Cricket ever had and stats speaks volume for him. Dhoni is now the only captain in the world to have won all three major ICC trophies including Twenty20 World Cup, the 50-over World Cup and the Champions Trophy. He reckons that people should enjoy the success of Indian team which they tasted in Champions Trophy 2013 rather than drawing comparisons of MSD with former Indian captain.
Little Master was quoted by Indian Express saying, "Generations cannot be compared, eras were different so it's not fair to compare. Surely he is one of the best India has had. Results speak for themselves. He took India to number one in Tests, won 2011 World Cup, T20 World Cup in 2007 and now the Champions Trophy. We should be rejoicing (instead of making comparisons)."
Former Indian Captain also pointed out the big difference in this team is of hunger to win the big matches and to do well at bigger platform. He was quoted by Times of India saying, "This team is champion since it had greater hunger for success and a great desire to show that they belong to this arena. Champions have that little extra and this team has that and that's why they are champions.”
He applauded the brilliant captaincy of MSD which turned the tables in India’s favour. He added, "A captain is as good as his team. But a great captain is one who produces results even with not so good team. Dhoni is a great captain. In 2007 he won T20 World Cup, he did not have the best players; even in this Champions Trophy he did not have experienced players. You got to say he is great as he has got the best out of players under him," the batsman said.
Meanwhile the reports in The Hindu quoted former Indian bowler, Venkatesh Prasad saying, "It is absolutely tough, all captains had different set of players, different combination of selectors. Dhoni gave freedom to his bowlers, he backs his decisions, his field positions are weird but he goes by his instincts. He has given the confidence to the players.”
Former player and selector Anshuman Gaekwad was quite surprised with the times he has gone wrong about Dhoni and was quoted by Deccan Herald saying, "He removes the (batting) pads and gloves and comes on to bowl. That's how he does (his job). Dhoni has done a lot of experimentation and proved me wrong and cricket is meant for that. He is prepared to take risks and got rewards. And it's not easiest things, he is wicketkeeper, he is captain and has to do the batting responsibilities, he has done a great all-round job.”