Alastair Cook’s father Graham is a Dhoni admirer

Alastair Cook's father Graham can't help marvelling at India captain's composure

Alastair Cook's father Graham is a Dhoni admirer

Alastair Cook's father Graham can't help marvelling at India captain's composure

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won many an admirer over the years with his ultra-cool demeanour. Yesterday, there was a very unlikely latest addition to his fan club. It was none other than his counterpart Alastair Cook's father, Graham, who was silently admiring the Indian captain from a distance here at the Taj Palace.

Nnu00a0friends here! MS Dhoni (left) and Alastair Cook before the first
one-day international at Hyderabad. Pic/AFP

The senior Cook, who is in India to follow his son's progress as a batsman and captain, was not averse to admitting that he was a big fan of Dhoni. "He is remarkably calm. I like the way he handles the enormous pressure which comes from leading a passionate country like India," Graham said of Dhoni.

Graham Cook seen at the Taj Palace yesterday. Pic/Vimal Kumar

When narrated the story by MiD DAY, Dhoni just smiled before going to attend his pre- match meeting with the team. In fact, Dhoni quipped: "Ask him to watch one of the press conferences to see the pressure from media!"

Simple needs
Senior Cook, who was seen chatting with the likes of David Lloyd and Nick Knight (Sky Sports commentators) in the lobby, comes across as someone who keeps a very low profile. In fact, he finds five star hotels "very expensive" and instead stays in a cheaper hotel in Karol Bagh.

Indian fans might be surprised to know that despite being the father of the visiting side's captain, Graham doesn't enjoy many privileges. Instead, he travels like a normal cricket fan. "I just collected the pass (for the match) from my son. That's the only advantage I have. I don't bother him much since he already has too many things on his plate," he added.

When this correspondent sought permission to publish this story, Graham was amused, and slightly suspicious.
"Sorry for being a bit suspicious, but I hope you won't write anything which may embarrass my son!"
Graham is a proud man and if his son could win England's first one-day series on Indian soil in almost three decades, he would be the proudest father.