Cricket News

‘MS Dhoni shuts noise brilliantly’ – India legend hails Dhoni’s leadership skills, credits him for reviving Ajinkya Rahane’s career

In the exhilarating race for the top spot on the IPL 2023 points table, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad find themselves just one point behind the table-toppers, the Gujarat Titans (GT). With the opportunity to gather 17 or more points during the league phase, CSK, currently occupying the second position, have displayed an impressive resurgence under the leadership of the legendary Dhoni, who is gracefully embracing the twilight phase of his illustrious career.

During an interview with Star Sports, former India captain Mithali Raj lauded Dhoni’s role in keeping Chennai in contention for a top-two finish. Mithali acknowledged Dhoni’s ability to silence the noise surrounding his career’s culmination and gradually guide his team throughout the season. It was not only Dhoni’s captaincy that played a pivotal role but also his astute on-field strategies that propelled CSK’s success. Mithali praised Dhoni’s shrewd decision-making in the tournament and highlighted Ajinkya Rahane as a prime example of a player who has rejuvenated his career under the leadership of Dhoni at IPL 2023.

“There are a lot of noises when a player approaches the back end of his career. MS Dhoni shut the noise brilliantly and guided his team slowly in this season. He’s helped CSK stay in the hunt for the top two spots so far. It’s not just his captaincy, but also the on-field strategies that he’s made has helped CSK do well. He made several smart moves in the tournament. Rahane is a perfect example of how a player revives himself under a good captain,” Mithali said.

Harbhajan Singh pleads Dhoni to continue playing

Another legendary Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, expressed his desire for Dhoni to extend his tenure at Chepauk. Harbhajan marvelled at Dhoni’s timeless presence on the field, stating that the former Indian captain still resembled the same old Dhoni. Despite not sprinting at full speed, Dhoni continues to unleash powerful sixes effortlessly, thereby remaining a formidable force with the bat. Harbhajan appealed to Dhoni to continue playing, emphasizing that his retirement would sadden countless fans.

“MS Dhoni has stopped time. He still looks the same old Dhoni. He’s hitting those big shots, taking those singles. Although he’s not running at his full speed, he’s hitting those sixes at ease and still looks dangerous with the bat. Don’t hurt our feelings MSD. You should continue playing,” Harbhajan added.

As the IPL 2023 reaches its climax, the cricketing fraternity eagerly watches Dhoni and his Chennai Super Kings’ pursuit of glory. With their remarkable resurgence under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has firmly reestablished itself as a formidable team in the tournament, erasing the memories of their dismal ninth-place finish in the previous season. The invaluable experience and tactical acumen possessed by Dhoni have proved instrumental in guiding CSK to their current position on the points table, keeping their hopes alive for a spot among the top two teams. As the curtain slowly descends on Dhoni’s legendary career, fans and fellow cricketers alike can only hope for his continued presence on the cricketing stage, as his indomitable spirit and remarkable skills continue to inspire and captivate.