India, who are undefeated in the tournament so far have won 11 straight games over two editions of the 50-over showpiece event, decimated Bangladesh in the quarter-finals to storm into the last-four stage.
Kapil, who led India to their first World Cup triumph in 1983, credits Dhoni for the clinical show.
"This Indian side is truly Dhoni's team, he is a leader in the actual sense of the word. Most of the boys have played under him for some time now and seem to have a real connection with the skipper," Kapil Dev, who is a part of the Hindi commentary panel for Star Sports, told PTI.
"Dhoni's hold on the team is very evident from his body language and his constant interaction with the players. It is his confidence in the players' ability which is helping them perform to their full potential and this is what gives them the belief to go all the way and retain the cup," added Kapil on Dhoni's new approach to motivate his boys.
Dhoni, who achieved the unbelievable feat of leading India to 100 ODI wins as captain, surpassed Hansie Cronje's wins of 99 as South African skipper. He is only behind Australian greats Ricky Ponting (165) and Allan Border (107) as 'Captain Cool' gears up for his fourth ICC title.