Dhoni ensured no player was late for training: Upton

Kolkata, May 16 - India's former mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton on Wednesday revealed that when MS Dhoni took over as the captain of the Indian cricket team in the 50-over format, the stumper had come up with a unique idea to ensure that his teammates were not late for any team meetings and training.

Speaking during a media event here for his new book 'The Barefoot Coach', Upton narrated how the then captains Anil Kumble and Dhoni came up innovative ideas.

"When I joined the team Anil Kumble was the captain of the Test team and MS Dhoni was the captain of the ODI team. We had a very self-governing process. So we said to the team ‘is it important to be on time for the practice and team meetings?' Everyone said yes it is," said Upton.

"So we asked them if anyone is not on time is there anything one should give up? We discussed it amongst ourselves and the players, and eventually it was left to the captain to decide," he added.

Upton said that while Kumble concluded that every latecomer should be fined Rs 10,000, Dhoni suggested for an even bigger punishment and said that if a player was late, the rest of the side would pay up Rs 10,000 each.

"In the Test team, Anil Kumble said that the consequence would be a ten thousand rupees fine which the person who was late would have to pay. And then we had the same conversation with the one day team and there also MS (Dhoni) said that ‘yes there should be a consequence. So if somebody is late, everybody will pay 10,000 rupees fine!' Nobody was ever late from the one day team again," Upton said.

Upton also praised Dhoni for his calmness and said: "His real strength is his calmness and composure, regardless of the situation of the game. Being such a strong leader, using his level-headedness in tough situations, he gives the other players permission to remain calm and composed."

"That I think is the real strength that he has," he added.

IANS