Former Indian wicket-keeper batter and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been revered not just for his extraordinary cricketing skills but also for his unparalleled cricketing acumen. Dhoni’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of his teams, both internationally and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shardul Thakur recently shared insights on Dhoni’s impactful advice to young players, emphasizing self-reflection and growth. After leading CSK for 14 years, Dhoni stepped down from the captaincy in IPL 2024, passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. This transition marked Dhoni’s commitment to preparing the team for future challenges.
‘He will never spoon-feed us’ – Shardul Thakur
At an IISM event, Thakur highlighted Dhoni’s unique mentorship style. “Playing with him has always been special because he allows us to grow. He allows us to come up with our own plan. So he will never spoon-feed us. He will say, ‘Tomorrow I might not be available behind the wickets. What will you do? Go back to your room, think about your game, and come up with your plans. If it doesn’t work, then I will intervene.'”
Thakur elaborated on Dhoni’s role in developing not just young talents but also today’s cricketing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “The legacy that he has left behind, three ICC Trophies, grooming so many youngsters. Even the current greats I would say are Virat, and Rohit, everyone in their life had a time where they could have been dropped. But the great MS Dhoni backed them and what they did after 2012 onwards up until now,” Thakur noted.
Recently, Dhoni spoke about his future in IPL 2024, indicating that his participation would hinge on the retention rules and what is best for CSK’s future. His thoughtful approach continues to inspire and guide his team both on and off the field.
