Mahendra Singh Dhoni, captain of the Indian cricket team, is my role model for his leadership skills and cool attitude.

As a young boy, I want to be an able leader and serve my country. I wish to fulfil my ambition of becoming a cricketer.

Dhoni is simply one of the greatest leaders on the field as his ability to handle situations under pressure and winning matches is also a service for India where cricket is a religion.

I love to play and watch cricket. I want to become a good sportsperson like Dhoni, who has proved that nothing is impossible.

One just needs confidence and the will to achieve their goal. Dhoni has successfully won many international matches and for me winning the World Cup was the ultimate service for India.

He will be remembered forever for this feat.

Some people may find it strange, but I want to follow a cricketer’s footsteps as I find our politicians have not yet been able to live up to the expectations of the people of the country.

Apart from Dhoni, I am a huge fan of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. Both of them have made us proud by playing the gentleman’s game with utmost modesty. Their behaviour on and off the field are always the same — humble. As young students, we need to emulate these traits in our daily lives and respect others.

Ashish Kumar Behera,

Class III,

Stewart School,

Cuttack