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Divine Coincidences? How MS Dhoni's Blueprint Manifested In Rohit Sharma's Career

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket [Source: @rahulmsd_91, @RebalRelang/x.com]MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket [Source: @rahulmsd_91, @RebalRelang/x.com]

In crickets most poetic symmetry, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma both announced retirement on 19:29. For MS Dhoni it was for his entire career and was on the 15th of August, 2020, while for Rohit Sharma it is on 7th May, 2025 but from only the Test format. The remarkable timing coincidence of 19:29 between the two retirements has induced us to look at the parallels in the career of this two players. 

The Melbourne Farewell

Both Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni played their last Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and as captains. Dhoni's Test career concluded at the MCG during India's 2024 tour. while Rohit Sharma played his last game at MCG during the 2024-25 tour. Neither complete their last Australian Test series as captain, instead transferring the leadership responsibilities mid-tour.

Test Captaincy Records

The Test captaincy numbers reveal interesting similarities. In his 24 Test match Captaincy record, Rohit Sharma had a 50% win record, while MS Dhoni in his captaincy career of 60 Test matches had a 45% win record. 

Both Rohit and Dhoni faced similar challenges in leading India in overseas conditions. The team particularly struggled under the leadership of the two captains in SENA countries. 

Home vs Away Dichotomy

Both Dhoni and Rohit Sharma experienced a stark contrast between home and away Test series performances. They achieved significantly better results in home conditions while finding overseas victories elusive, especially in the challenging situations of Australia and England.

Leadership Transitions

The leadership transitions following the Test retirements of the two players also show similarities. Both Rohit and MS stepped away from Test cricket while still being active in limited-overs format, creating a split captaincy scenario for Indian cricket.

Limited Overs Legacy

Although the conclusion of Test careers for both the players was not storied, Rohit and MS Dhoni found great success in limited overs cricket. While MS Dhoni won 3 ICC trophies as captain, Rohit Sharma has claimed 2 titles. Rohit still being a leader of the Indian limited overs team, there is a chance that he could meet the legacy of India's fabled 'Captain Cool'.