‘I want to make you a Bollywood hero’, Shikhar Dhawan reveals first dressing room conversation with MS Dhoni

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan recently launched his autobiography, *The One: Cricket, My Life and More*, where he shared many personal stories, including the untold story of his very first conversation with former India captain MS Dhoni. This memorable interaction took place back in 2010, during Dhawan’s ODI debut series against Australia. The young batsman had just entered the Indian dressing room and met Dhoni, marking the beginning of a special relationship and a new chapter in his cricket career.

Shikhar Dhawan’s journey to the Indian team wasn’t easy, but it reached a milestone when he was selected for the three-match ODI series against Australia in October 2010. This was the moment he had been waiting for—a chance to prove himself on the international stage. Interestingly, Dhawan made his Test debut under Dhoni’s leadership in 2013, scoring a remarkable 187 runs against Australia. However, the autobiography takes readers back to that earlier time, when Dhawan was just about to start his ODI journey. He vividly recalls how Dhoni looked like a Bollywood film star to him, with his long hair and big smile, which left a strong impression.

In his book, Dhawan wrote about the moment he first saw Dhoni in the dressing room and how he felt inspired. “I wanted to cast him in a Bollywood film,” Dhawan confessed, describing Dhoni’s charismatic presence. They were talking about motivation when Dhawan suddenly said, “I want to play for India and I want to make you a Bollywood hero!” Dhoni’s reaction was laughter and turning his head back, a moment of lighthearted connection that eased some of the tension of the occasion.

Despite this encouraging interaction, Dhawan admits that he was extremely nervous before his debut match. In his autobiography, he shared how the night before the first ODI in Kochi, he couldn’t sleep due to the pressure and excitement. However, when he woke up the next morning, heavy rain had washed out the entire day’s play, crushing his hopes of making a debut appearance right away. The first match of the series was abandoned because of the rain, and even the third match in Margao was also washed out, meaning Dhawan only got to play in the second game.

When he finally stepped onto the field in that second ODI, the nerves showed. Dhawan was dismissed for zero runs after facing just two balls. Though it was a tough start, it didn’t deter his passion or belief in his abilities. The setback was only temporary; Dhawan would soon go on to make a significant impact on Indian cricket.

The autobiography offers an intimate look at Dhawan’s early struggles and the moments that shaped his career. The story of his first conversation with Dhoni reflects not just a meeting of two cricketers but also a bond formed in the high-pressure world of international cricket. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and leadership, inspired Dhawan, who looked up to him as both a mentor and a role model.

Shikhar Dhawan’s journey from a nervous debutant to one of India’s most reliable batsmen is a tale of perseverance and dedication. His early interaction with Dhoni was symbolic of the support and camaraderie within the Indian team, which helped Dhawan grow and excel. This story also highlights the human side of cricket, where nerves, laughter, and encouragement play a crucial role behind the scenes.

In conclusion, Dhawan’s autobiography not only celebrates his achievements but also reveals the humble beginnings and the emotional moments that often go unnoticed. His first conversation with MS Dhoni remains a cherished memory—a reminder of the early days when a young player dared to dream big and aimed to shine on the biggest stage, fueled by the encouragement of a legendary captain.