Dhoni is an era of cricket, almost like leader of a nation: Hayden

Australia's former star batsman Matthew Hayden

has used a variety of superlatives to describe Mahendra Singh Dhoni, calling him an "era of cricket" and "almost like a leader of a nation".

The big-hitting ex-opener eulogised the two-time World Cup winning skipper hours ahead of the IPL final between Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, both eyeing a record fourth title.

"You know Dhoni, he is not just a player, he is an era of cricket. In many ways, I think MS is like the captain of the gully cricket team, he is one of us, he will do anything," Hayden said on Star Sports' special programme for CSK -- 'The Super Kings Show'.

The Australian added, "You see how he warms up, he bowls his leg spinners, he catches, he asks players and people around the squad on how they are doing and he is so relaxed, I think we can all relate to him because we all have busy lives working around with friends and families and that's a big commitment.

"So, someone like that at the helm will make you