Indian ODI Squad (Image Courtesy : MSN India)

It all started with the Win at the T20 World Cup. That set the tone for Dhoni to be viewed as serious captaincy material for other versions of the game.

The Indians then took the tri-series down under and later had a great run at home against the Pommies. Now the Kiwis have been mauled in their own den.

The way this team is going, there seems to be no stopping them.

The fielding is fantastic, the batting doesn’t depend upon an individual who answers to the name of Sachin and the bowlers are doing a decent job irrespective of pitch conditions.

So, who is to be credited for the success?

a) Dhoni

b) Gary Kirsten

c) Selectors (for choosing this team)

d) All of the above

My choice is d.

Few might argue that Dhoni instilled a new found confidence in the team. Others might say that Kirsten has different coaching techniques which has given the team the edge it has now. I am quite sure there are a lot of voices saying that without this selection committee, this team would be non existent.

And I would say, the reason for the team doing so well is because of all the three reasons mentioned above.

Dhoni as a leader is exemplary. He is like the boss everyone would love to have. He is friendly with the team, and doesn’t throw his weight around. He is one player who seems to have confidence in himself and knows that he deserves his place in the team and under the sun.

Which other captain would have given up his position for an entire overseas tour because he knew he would be exhausted or risk injury if he went on it.

Dhoni gave his spot in the team to the guy from whom he had taken the spot…Dinesh Karthik. Even in the IPL, he let his other competitor, Parthiv Patel take bowling attacks apart by allowing to open. Dhoni was the guy who was picked initially as a wicket keeper who could be India’s answer to Gilchrist. This shows faith in his own abilities and the abilities of his players.

We really do not know what Gary Kirsten is doing behind the scenes as a coach, but it sure is working. We saw what happened when a control freak like Greg Chappell took the reins. India were much better off under John Wright who didn’t hog the limelight. And knowing Kirsten’s record as a cricketer, India seem to have found the coach who forms the ideal foil to the captain.

And last but not the least – a word for the selection committee. This committee had the guts to pick players on current form and not on past glory.