Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka, who also owned the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in the past, reserved high praise for legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. Speaking on The Ranveer Show podcast, Goenka highlighted why he believes Dhoni is the greatest captain in cricket and shared personal experiences of working closely with the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper during his time with RPS in IPL 2016.

Goenka, who had appointed Dhoni as the captain for the Pune franchise’s debut season in IPL 2016, reflected on his leadership qualities. Despite replacing Dhoni with Steve Smith as captain for IPL 2017 after RPS failed to make the playoffs in their inaugural season, Goenka remains deeply appreciative of Dhoni’s impact.

“I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni. It’s crazy how even to this day he keeps reinventing himself. Just look at Pathirana, a baby bowler. Don’t know where MS saw him and now groomed him into a lethal match-winner. He knows how to use his players well, and he keeps on thinking. Whenever I interact with him, I always learn something," Goenka said.

Goenka also shared a heartwarming story involving his grandson, who had the opportunity to learn cricket from Dhoni during a visit to their home. Dhoni’s patience and willingness to spend half an hour conversing with the child left a lasting impression on Goenka, further cementing his admiration for Dhoni's humility and leadership.

“I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions, and I told my grandson, ‘Leave him now.’ Dhoni replied, ‘Let it be; I am enjoying this conversation.’ Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others, and that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him," he added.