Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to chart his own course after retirement. At 44, the three-time ICC trophy-winning leader has shared his thoughts on a typical path many retired players take but one he seems to want to avoid. In a recent interview, Dhoni discussed why entering the commentary field is more complex than it seems, revealing his careful perspective on Cricket even years after leaving International play.
MS Dhoni discusses commentary
Since ending his international career in 2020, Dhoni has mostly stayed out of public discussions about cricket. Besides his ongoing role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he has kept a low profile. This has led to speculation about whether he might consider commentary, a natural transition for someone of his background. However, in a conversation with sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, Dhoni expressed why that idea does not attract him.
“Commentary is very difficult,” he stated, emphasizing that the challenge is not just about game knowledge, but also about the tone and responsibility of live analysis.
Dhoni pointed out a ‘very fine line’ that commentators must navigate. He noted that describing a match can quickly turn into criticism of players, often without the commentator realizing it.
“There is a very fine line between describing the game and accidentally crossing into criticism of individual players. It is a very thin line,” the Ranchi cricketer explained.
He mentioned that while analysts may aim to be honest and informative, the pressure of live commentary can lead to remarks that may feel personal to players. According to Dhoni, sticking to a neutral description can be more challenging than it appears, especially when tension runs high.
“Often, you aren’t aware that you might be crossing a line. You want to remain on the side of simply describing the game, and if something seems wrong, you state it,” he added.
Importance of empathy in commentary
Dhoni also mentioned the need for emotional intelligence in good commentary. When teams struggle, he believes there are usually deeper issues behind the performance, and explaining these without being harsh is a skill in itself.
He emphasized that commentary should not only highlight errors, but also provide context without singling anyone out. Dhoni suggested that achieving this balance takes sensitivity and careful word choice—qualities he thinks are vital yet often overlooked.
“How to present it is an art. You need to express things in a way that no one feels targeted. If a team is losing, there are reasons for that, and the commentary should reflect those realities without making anyone feel bad. That is the art of commentary,” said Dhoni.
Additionally, Dhoni feels he may not be suited for commentary due to his relationship with statistics. Unlike many modern commentators who excel with data and historical comparisons, Dhoni admits he has never been very focused on numbers, including his own.
He pointed out that there are experts who can instantly recall statistics across various eras, something he acknowledges is not his strength. In a field where numbers often shape stories, Dhoni believes this gap could put him at a disadvantage.
“I am not good with stats. Many people are very knowledgeable about statistics. If you ask me about my own stats, I would be unsure. There are people who know stats not just about the Indian team but about everyone throughout the eras,” he explained.
