Aakash Chopra stands by MS Dhoni, rejects claims of favoritism in team selection

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has stepped into the spotlight after an old remark by Irfan Pathan regarding MS Dhoni’s leadership resurfaced online. Pathan had once hinted that Dhoni leaned towards players he was personally close to, sparking renewed debates about favoritism in Indian cricket. Addressing this, Chopra firmly defended Dhoni, insisting that a captain of his stature could never allow off-field friendships to dictate on-field selections.

Chopra underlined that international cricket operates under immense pressure, where one poor decision can alter the course of a match or a series. According to him, it is unrealistic to assume that Dhoni, who led India to multiple ICC trophies, would compromise results by picking players based on casual off-field bonds. 

"Yes, I asked him. During the 2008 Australia series, Mahi's statement came out in the media that Irfan wasn't bowling well. So I thought I had bowled well throughout the series, so I went and asked Mahi about this. Sometimes, the statements are twisted in the media, so I also wanted to clarify. Mahi said, 'no Irfan, there is nothing like this, everything's going as per plans.' When you get a reply like this, then you believe that okay, you do what you can. Also if you keep asking for explanations again and again after that, you hurt your self-respect," he had said. 

He also acknowledged that captains often feel more comfortable with certain players, especially those with whom they have spent significant time on and off the field. But he made a clear distinction between familiarity and favoritism. Trust built through consistent performances, he explained, cannot be mistaken for bias. In his view, Dhoni’s decisions were rooted in cricketing logic, not personal preferences.

The timing of Chopra’s response is significant. Dhoni has always been celebrated as a leader who transformed Indian cricket with his calm demeanor and tactical sharpness. While controversies about team dynamics have occasionally surfaced, such as Pathan’s claim about not indulging in “hookah room” gatherings, they have rarely overshadowed Dhoni’s reputation for fairness and composure. Chopra’s remarks further strengthen the argument that India’s most successful captain was pragmatic above all else.

The resurfaced debate also highlights the challenges of leadership in a star-studded team like India’s. With a surplus of talent, tough calls are inevitable, and not every player walks away satisfied. Chopra suggested that players who felt sidelined may have perceived bias, but in reality, selections were always aimed at striking the right balance to win matches.

By standing up for Dhoni, Chopra has attempted to put the discussion in perspective. For him, the essence of captaincy lies in making decisions that give the team the best chance of success, regardless of personal relationships. And in Dhoni’s case, the trophies and triumphs speak louder than any allegation.