Despite managing a calf injury for much of the season, MS Dhoni’s influence within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp has remained significant.
Ahead of Sunday’s practice session, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter
spoke about the guidance he has offered skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as the young captain continues to shape his leadership style.
Dhoni emphasised that he wanted Gaikwad to lead the side on his own terms rather than trying to emulate anyone else. “What I told Rutu was to run CSK the way he wanted to run it. That’s how I have run CSK for a very long time. And I always felt it’s a game where the captain has to make the decisions. Yes, there are coaches and support staff, but it’s not like football where the manager decides. In cricket, it’s about the captain and he has to decide,” Dhoni was quoted as saying.
The former India captain explained that while Ruturaj Gaikwad might naturally absorb certain aspects of his approach, every leader must develop a distinct identity. “Yes, there will be certain things that he will pick from the way I used to lead. But individuals are different… Whatever you feel is your style, you have the full liberty over here to decide,” Dhoni said.
MS Dhoni also made it clear that advice should never turn into instruction. “I’m very open, I’ll come and talk to you, but you don’t have to do even one thing that I speak to you about. Let’s say I come up with ten pieces of advice, if you don’t follow even one, that is fair enough. When you are the leader, you have to take that responsibility. As a leader, you see the resources that you have and how you want to use them,” he added.
MSD On CSK’s Philosphy
Reflecting on CSK’s philosophy, Dhoni reiterated the franchise’s long-standing focus on cricketing priorities. “We are someone who believes in concentrating more on cricket. Yes, we have had to do a lot of other things that are surrounding cricket, but as a franchise, we know that our essence is cricket and we should stick to that,” he said.
Dhoni also spoke about his immense popularity among fans, insisting that authenticity is the key. “In my case, I never wanted to woo fans or have more followers. I just wanted to be authentic, once you are authentic, people start loving you and they start picking up stuff that they love about you,” Dhoni said.
He concluded by underlining the role supporters have played in CSK’s success over the years. “The support of the fans matters, when the chips are down, you can get that extra 10-15% from the crowd,” Dhoni said.
