Thread by @thebetterindia

#MSDhoni #IncredibleIndians #Inspiration

It was MS Dhoni, born in Ranchi, whose success provided the inspiration for young cricketers from small towns to suddenly believe they could play for India. (1/12)

The son of a pump operator with MECON Limited (a public-sector engineering firm), Dhoni grew up in a crammed one-bedroom apartment near the Ranchi's MECON Stadium. (2/12)

If you come from a middle class family job security is very important. It can be a tough decision to choose between job security and your dream," said Dhoni. (3/12)

Dhoni's father wanted his son to get an education and a job. So in 2001, a struggling Dhoni turned his attention to finding an income. (4/12)

He moved to Kharagpur in West Bengal, where Animesh Kumar Ganguly, then a divisional manager of the South Eastern Railways (SER) was trying to build a cricket team. (5/12)

They met at Ganguly's bungalow where the SER boss bowled a spell at Dhoni. It took just three balls for Ganguly to decide he liked what he saw — he gave Dhoni a job as a railway ticket collector and a spot on the SER cricket squad. (6/12)

Dhoni knew he couldn't remain in the railways forever because cricket was his dream. He went onto lead India to victory over Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final. The skipper hit an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, including a match-winning six. (7/12)

Interestingly, Dhoni's utter single-mindedness and legendary cool temper is the result of an important lesson from his strict father. (8/12)

“When I was young I was closer to my mother but while I was in Class 12 (18 years old) the reason for my father's reference to discipline became clear to me. (9/12)

Exams were due and I needed to study but the last day of preparation coincided with a big cricket match. I asked him what I should do. (10/12)

In turn, he asked if I was ready for the exam, which I felt I was. ‘With only 24 hours to go you will either be ready or you will not. Go and play,' he said, ‘and have some fun for there is nothing more you can do in your studying.' (11/12)

In other words, you now have your priorities in order", Dhoni remembered in an interview to Wisden. (12/12)