Pathan was part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy wins.
Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan talked about the two different sides of MS Dhoni he saw after taking over the captaincy. Pathan was part of India's two major ICC tournament wins under Dhoni, which is the 2007 World Cup-winning and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Pathan pointed out Dhoni changed a lot on the span of six years and his approach towards game got better with the time.
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"In 2007, it was the first time and you understand that when you are given a big responsibility of leading a team, you get excited," said on Star Sports Cricket Connected.
"The team meetings were always small though, both in 2007 and 2013 during Champions Trophy, just 5 minutes meeting. The one thing which changed was when young MS Dhoni became a captain in 2007, he used to run from wicketkeeping to bowling end in excitement and try to control the bowler as well but by the time 2013 came he was letting the bowler control themselves rather he controlling them. He was very calm and in control," Irfan added.
Dhoni's confidence in spin bowlers grew with the time and he had high hopes from them. It was easily seen in his moves as a captain. The former India captain believed spinners can take him out of a tough situation in the match.
"Between 2007 and 2013 he gained the experience of trusting his slow bowlers and spinners and by the time Champions Trophy came he was very clear that in crucial time he needs to get his spinners into play to win the games."
India had managed to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 final against England only after their spinners, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja unveiled their best game.