Suresh Raina Hails MS Dhoni: “He Made Virat, He Made Rohit, He Made Me”

Raina Calls MS Dhoni a “Once-in-a-Century” Cricketer

In a heartfelt statement that has sent waves across the cricketing world, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has paid glowing tribute to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, calling him a “once-in-a-century” personality in Indian cricket. During a recent interview, Raina remarked, “I think people like MS Dhoni are born once in a century. He made Virat, he made Rohit, he made me.”

This statement is not just admiration—it’s a testament to the deep influence Dhoni has had on Indian cricket and the players who have played under him.

A Leader Who Shaped Careers

MS Dhoni’s leadership style has often been praised for being calm, strategic, and empowering. Under his captaincy, Indian cricket saw the rise of many stalwarts, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suresh Raina himself. Raina, who was a core part of India’s limited-overs setup during Dhoni’s reign, credited Dhoni not only for his tactical brilliance but also for his mentorship.

Raina’s words reflect how Dhoni nurtured young talent and backed players through rough patches. He gave them the space and confidence to evolve into match-winners.

Dhoni’s Impact on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli, who would eventually take over the reins from Dhoni as India’s captain, flourished under his early guidance. Dhoni promoted Kohli up the order, gave him responsibility, and defended him even during his lean patches.

Rohit Sharma’s career also took a dramatic turn when Dhoni promoted him as an opener during the 2013 Champions Trophy. That one decision proved pivotal in Rohit’s career, which has since soared to remarkable heights, including multiple double centuries in ODIs and leading India as a successful captain.

Raina’s Own Journey With Dhoni

Suresh Raina was one of Dhoni’s most trusted lieutenants, both in the Indian team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL. Their chemistry on and off the field is well-known, with Raina often calling Dhoni his elder brother.

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, Raina became one of India’s most dependable middle-order batsmen in white-ball cricket. His aggressive style was balanced by Dhoni’s calm approach, forming a lethal combination.

A Captain, A Mentor, A Friend

MS Dhoni’s greatness lies not just in his trophies and statistics, but in the legacy he has built. He spotted talent, trusted it, and helped it grow. Whether it was guiding a young Kohli, handing responsibility to Rohit, or consistently backing Raina, Dhoni was the kind of leader who led from behind and let others shine.

Fan and Cricketing Fraternity Reactions

Raina’s quote has quickly gone viral, with fans and cricket experts echoing his sentiments. Social media platforms are flooded with tributes to Dhoni, with hashtags like #DhoniLegacy and #CaptainCool trending once again.

Conclusion: The Dhoni Effect Lives On

MS Dhoni may have retired from international cricket, but his impact continues to be felt across generations. Suresh Raina’s heartfelt words serve as a powerful reminder that while cricket is a game of stats, it is also a game of mentorship, leadership, and brotherhood.

As Raina aptly put it—“He made Virat, he made Rohit, he made me.” And in doing so, he made Indian cricket stronger than ever.