Chennai Super Kings are, arguably, one of the best IPL franchises to date. The MS Dhoni-led side has clinched the auspicious trophy thrice since the top-tier T20 league started back in 2008. The Chennai-based team maintains the best win percentage in the league so far. It will be fair to say that a huge share of credits in relation to CSK’s IPL success goes to the gaffer of the team, MS Dhoni. The former Indian skipper has guided the team with sheer brilliance which is one of the pivotal reasons behind CSK’s grand feats in the league.
What MS Dhoni brings to the CSK’s table
Apart from his incredible captaincy skills, MS Dhoni excels in the ‘man management’ department as well. Over the years, many youngsters have blossomed under the wings of MS Dhoni. The ‘Thala’ of CSK is responsible for producing multiple superstars like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadega. MS Dhoni has also helped many experienced players to bring their careers back on track. West Indies star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, recently, hailed MS Dhoni for his exceptional qualities of dealing with players in the CSK clan.
Dwayne Bravo has been a part of the CSK’s squad since 2011 and according to the Windies superstar, MS Dhoni stands out as one of the most comforting captains he has played under. Bravo insisted that Dhoni creates a warm and nourishing atmosphere for his players in the CSK’s dressing room, which provides major help in boosting their confidence. According to Bravo, the career of any player takes a different turn after he joins the CSK squad. Bravo handed the examples of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu, as to how their careers changed after joining CSK.
Dwayne Bravo about MS Dhoni’s captaincy
“CSK over the years have had many good captains in their dressing room. We’ve had Faf du Plessis, Brendon McCullum, myself, Mike Hussey. These guys have been leaders in various countries, but MS is the type of person who always says that ‘you are here because you’re good enough, so when you come here, you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. The franchise sees and it knows what you can offer. Just be yourself,’” Bravo told ESPN in a video chat.
“Whenever a player comes to CSK, it’s like his career is kind of born again. Look at Shane Watson a few years ago, look at Ambati Rayudu, when he left Mumbai, everybody’s career (graph) keeps going up whenever they come around CSK.”
“MS doesn’t put pressure on anyone. Outside of cricket, you rarely see him, but his room is always open, so you can walk in there anytime. He’s brilliant to have conversations with, obviously played so many games. He creates an environment where people feel comfortable and everyone relaxes; he doesn’t behave like a superstar despite all his accolades and achievements,” Bravo said.