Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has left a massive impact on the game with his leadership and performance in pressure situations over the years. Players from around the world aspire to play under his captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
On Monday (May 29), Dhoni led CSK to their fifth IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Besides his leadership, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping was top-notch during the triumphant campaign and he played a crucial role with the bat lower down the order despite nursing a knee injury.
Following the title win, several members of CSK are lauding the talismanic skipper for the team’s success.
New Zealand batter Devon Conway, who opened for CSK in IPL 2023, heaped praise on Dhoni, saying that the latter is worshipped in India and the support for him is quite incredible.
“He (Dhoni) is very well-liked in India, he’s pretty much worshipped there. To see the following and support they have for him is incredible. Every away game we had was pretty much a home game because of all the supporters travelling to support MS Dhoni. It was special — a different world than what we’re used to. I don’t think he’s able to do much outside the hotel due to his fame," Conway was quoted as saying by SENZ Radio.
Conway was the highest run-getter for CSK in the recently-concluded IPL, amassing 672 runs from 15 innings at a strike rate of 139.70 with six half-centuries. He formed a formidable partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.
The southpaw acknowledged the role of head coach and compatriot Stephen Fleming in leading CSK to IPL 2023 triumph.
“He’s got the respect of the players. The way he runs the show there, he drives a good culture, he’s got a good relationship with MS and the franchise owners as well. Having his support is very important and beneficial for us as a group and individuals," Conway stated.
“I was pretty happy to be given the opportunity to open the batting throughout the season and be backed by Stephen Fleming and the captain MS Dhoni. It was a proud opportunity for me to grow my game and express myself in the IPL," he added.
Asked about how much his T20 game has improved in the last few years, Conway said, “Every T20 game’s got different scenarios, different situations, and how to attack those different moments of the game has been great to lean on (those) experienced guys to improve and move forward."
“Playing in Chennai it was more of a spin surface, so you’d probably carry three spinners, same as Lucknow. But if you played in Bangalore or one of the Mumbai grounds, it’s going to be slightly more batter friendly."
(With IANS Inputs)
