Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has left a massive impact on the game with his leadership and performances in pressure situations.
Not only the Indian players, but cricketers from around the world aspire to play under his captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Among the many lucky players, former England captain Kevin Pietersen is also the one who has the privilege of playing under Dhoni at Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG). Back in 2016, Pietersen turned up for the now-defunct RPSG, which was led by Dhoni as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from the cash-rich tournament for two years.
On Sunday (May 14), Pietersen recalled his conversation with Dhoni during their time at RPSG, saying that he got really emotional while talking about his return to CSK.
“When Chennai had a break (suspension) for a couple of years, I played with MS at the Rising Pune Supergiant. When the opportunity presented itself to go back to Chennai, he was so emotional because that was the only place he wanted to play. The only place he wants to be involved. He has so much love for this ground, this city and this franchise. He got really emotional and it means so much,” said Pietersen on Star Sports during CSK’s lap of appreciation for their home fans at Chepauk.
The ex-English batter further hailed Dhoni and called him an inspiring person who cares so much for the team.
“He is inspiring. You want to play well for him. You want to be the best version of himself in a team that he is captaining. We have seen that for however many years. He cares so much and when the captain cares so much, everybody starts to feel it. It resonates,” Pietersen stated.
“Look at the people who have stayed back to see, to try and touch him because of the person that he is. He is also an incredible human being away from the cricket field. These are wonderful scenes, hugely emotional seasons. This is such a fabulous gesture,” he added.
CSK played their last home game of the IPL 2023 season against KKR at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. Although the Dhoni-led side lost the match by six wickets, they are still very much in contention for a place in the playoffs.
Chennai Super Kings will face Delhi Capitals in their last league match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 20.
