Ravi Shastri and Mahendra Singh Dhoni before the 2011 World Cup semi-final in Mohali

Calcutta: Former India captain Ravi Shastri spoke to The Telegraph exclusively on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the present captain, on Monday evening. Shastri, by the way, is also a former Team India cricket manager.

The following are excerpts

Q Dhoni had already been India’s ODI and T20 captain for a year when he was handed the Test captaincy (in late 2008) as well. At that point in time, what were your expectations of him?

A I felt Dhoni was the ideal man at that stage and that he’d learn along the way. The only question, perhaps, was how quickly he’d learn and the kind of results we would get to see... The results have been admirable.

So, Dhoni has lived up to your expectations...

Of course, as a captain, Dhoni has nothing left to prove... He’s won the 50-over World Cup, the World T20, taken India to No.1 in the Test rankings... Won the IPL, the CLT20... He’s done it all, hasn’t he?

Fair enough, today, what’s the biggest challenge for Dhoni?

To keep things going... We’re in a rebuilding phase of sorts and Dhoni’s good enough to captain till the next World Cup (2015)... The recent tour of England was a wake-up call for him and it has given the selectors the chance to invest in youth, even at the cost of immediate results. As it turns out, we’ve taken a 4-0 lead in the five-match series against England!

Early on itself, what struck you the most about Dhoni?

His personality, his calmness... The composure he maintained... That Dhoni was an absolute certainty in the side made a huge difference.

What has made Dhoni so successful?

Dhoni’s personality has been a factor, the way he handles criticism... The way he handles ordinary results... He has handled the egos within the team very well... He’s had former captains playing under him, but has got the best out of them. Generally, he’s unfazed... When Dhoni’s around, you know there’s only one boss. He always gives the impression that he’s the one in-charge.

Is there an area where Dhoni can improve?

There’s room for improvement for everybody, especially when overseas, where a change in strategy is usually required. Dhoni’s been brilliant in the subcontinent, but winning overseas has to be the next step. A fit team is what he needs and he’s seen what happens with a depleted attack.

Tactically, how many marks would you give Dhoni?

Dhoni’s right up there. However, he must have learnt in England... It’s tough when only three bowlers are at your call, but England shouldn’t have been allowed to recover from 124 for eight in the first innings at Trent Bridge. He’d run out of ideas then, but I’m sure Dhoni won’t allow a repeat of that situation... Won’t repeat an error in judgement... I’m sure he himself sees the England tour as part of his learning curve... That he can improve tactically is more reason for the opposition to worry.

Has there been an occasion when Dhoni has spoken to you about captaincy?

Dhoni’s open to views, he’s open to a discussion... That’s a big plus... No matter how good you are, you can still improve by picking up something here or there. He has the intelligence to do so.

Many regard the late ‘Tiger’ Pataudi as our finest captain... For many, Sourav Ganguly was outstanding... Where does Dhoni fit in?

Look, I go by results and, where results go, there’s no comparison... Dhoni’s the best... Somebody else may match him, yes, but he won’t be able to do better.

Should captains be intuitive or largely go by the book?

All great captains go with their instincts, score with intuition... The ‘book’ is there, a reference point, but often it’s a bowling change or some change in the field placement which makes the difference.

What would be your approach?

Simple: Play to win, no matter who was in the opposition... I’d strive to take the game forward and force a victory.

How did Dhoni handle himself during the disastrous tour of England?

Admirably... He didn’t cry behind excuses, didn’t skirt around issues... The fact is that he was faced with so many injuries and the players were jaded.

Your thoughts on Dhoni admitting that the game-changing move in the World Cup final was Gary Kirsten’s and not his idea...

Just shows the kind of person Dhoni is... His nature is such that, generally, he’s happy taking a back seat and allowing his players to enjoy the moment... He commands respect for the person he is.

Should Dhoni be given a break before the tour of Australia?

Depends... I’d say what he feels is important... If he continues to bat well and ’keep well, he may want to carry on playing... He could, of course, be rested for the last three ODIs against the West Indies. That would give him a 10-day break before we head to Australia.

Are good captains made by good teams?

Good teams do help in the making of good captains.

Finally, looking ahead, what would be your line of succession — Virender Sehwag, who is now 33, or Gautam Gambhir (30)?

I think the selectors are looking at Gambhir... If both are playing and Dhoni has to go off, then I suppose Gambhir would stand-in. That’s my feeling.