He might be at the twilight of his professional cricket career, but MS Dhoni’s influence as a leader hasn’t gone down one bit.
On Monday (May 26), Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a record-equalling fifth IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Despite nursing a knee injury, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping was top-notch during the triumphant campaign and he played a crucial role with the bat lower down the order.
Following the title win, several members of the side credited talismanic skipper Dhoni for the team’s success.
In a social media post, CSK’s bowling coach Dwayne Bravo also revealed how a call from the legendary captain convinced him to stay with the team after he had announced retirement as a player.
"Where do I begin! A year ago when I decided to announce my retirement from IPL cricket it was a sad moment but at the same time I was grateful for a successful IPL career. As fate would have it I received a phone call from @chennaiipl captain @mahi7781 and head coach Stephen Fleming @stephen_fleming_ who invited me to be a part of the coaching staff," Bravo wrote in an Instagram post.
"I had no doubt in my mind that this was the direction I wanted to take my new cricketing career. I’ve always had the vision in my mind of one day sharing what I can only describe as my God given talents as a cricketer to what it is right now - a coach for one of the best teams in IPL history," he added.
"To our fans who supported us throughout the entire season you all are the real champions. Everywhere we go and at every game there was always a sea of yellow; thank you always for your continued support and love. To my team; a big congratulations on this great victory and what I consider one the most memorable seasons in IPL cricket. To the coaching staff thank you for embracing me, I cannot say thank you enough. As one of the youngest members of the coaching staff it has been a huge learning process for me but I’m enjoying every second of it," he further wrote.
"Special mention must be given to bowling coach Eric @trilogygroupza; it truly felt like a partnership working and learning alongside him. To the young bowling team @matheesha.pathirana_99 @ravindra.jadeja @deepak_chahar9 @maheesh_theekshana @rajvardhan__hangargekar @akkionfire @dwainep_29 big congratulations to each and every one of you, this victory is a result of your dedication and hard work," he stated.
"This experience as a first time coach has only reinforced what I truly believe is my God calling and purpose in life; to use my gift to inspire others and positively impact and enrich other people lives and I promise that’s what I’m going to do. As I enjoy this moment; I remain grateful, I remain humbled by all these opportunities and blessings. This is the beginning #sirchampion #championcoach #firstipltitleascoach #iplchampions2023," Bravo concluded.
Talking about the IPL 2023 final, CSK defeated GT by five wickets (DLS method) to lift the trophy.
It was a rain-marred affair, in which GT piled up a mammoth 214/4 on the board and CSK chased down the revised target of 171 on the final delivery of their stipulated 15 overs.
