Deepak Chahar, under the mentorship of MS Dhoni, has witnessed a significant improvement in his game. As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to face the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final, captain MS Dhoni continues to showcase why he is considered one of the greatest captains of all time. Despite not contributing significantly with the bat, Dhoni’s captaincy tactics have left fans and experts mesmerized.
One particular example of Dhoni’s brilliance is his handling of young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Patirana.
However, this is not the first time Dhoni has taken a young player under his wing and transformed them into a master of their craft.
Deepak Chahar, a pacer for CSK, who has elevated his game under Dhoni’s guidance, revealed the key factor behind the franchise’s success.
“The atmosphere is different. Everything is optional here. No one will tell you, ‘You must go to practice or hit the gym.’ As a professional, it’s your responsibility to determine what needs to be done. You can choose to practice, do it tomorrow, or even take a rest if needed. But one thing is certain, you have to perform on the field,” Chahar shared during an interview with Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast with Champions.
Chahar further explained that even during challenging times, there is no hint of panic in the dressing room, largely due to Dhoni’s calm and composed demeanor.
“Even if we lose a match, nobody will point fingers at you. Mahi bhai (Dhoni) doesn’t say anything negative either. Despite a season of underperformance, the team atmosphere remains positive. There is no pressure on anyone. Another significant factor is Mahi bhai himself. When I first joined CSK, I noticed that he always sits with the junior players during team dinners. If he believes something is right, he stands by it,” Chahar added.
CSK’s upcoming appearance in the IPL final will mark their 10th in the tournament’s history. A victory would bring them level with the Mumbai Indians, both teams having secured the most trophies in IPL history (5).
