MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most successful franchises in IPL history and have listed the trophy thrive. They have made it to the finals innumerable times. The franchise has gone through tough times too, however, each time it has faced a difficulty it has come back stronger than ever. Coming back from their ban in 2018, they proved why they are considered the unbeatable kings by winning the trophy.
The team has seen a plethora of players over the years but the core around which the team has grown is the same. Raina, Rayudu, Bravo, and Jaddu have all been part of the team for years now. Each player’s contribution has been invaluable to the team’s success. However, it is the man who commands the team who should receive the majority of the credit.
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MS Dhoni had built this team and nurtured it from the very start and he had made it a war machine. He has been instrumental in grooming youngsters and making them cricketing superstars. We shall look at 5 players who are today popular but once started their career under the guidance of Dhoni.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
The recent CSK phenomenon who has made the opening position his own at the franchise. He had a difficult 2020 but has completely turned it around in 2021. He is averaging above 40 runs and clocked more than 350 runs. In the match against MI, he played one of his most mature innings and was the key to getting CSK to a respectable total.
2. Deepak Chahar
The fast bowler has literally matured under the careful eyes of MS Dhoni. He has been guided, both on and off the field him on how to bowl in crucial passages of play. Ever since his debut in 2016, he has picked 56 wickets and has choked runs at the top of the innings. His variation with the slower ball and cutters is what makes him the most lethal among contemporaries.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
The one-man army has become a transformed cricketer under Dhoni. His bowling is more streamlined and he has become a regular wicket-taker. He is providing much more with the bat than he did at the beginning. A recent testimony of his improved talent is the match against KKR yesterday where he starred with the bat as well as the ball.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin
Jaddu’s partner in the national team also once played with him in CSK. Ashwin moved out of CSK in 2016 but before that he played with the franchise. One can see a phenomenal improvement in Ashwin under the captaincy of Dhoni. His skill with the ball has grown manifold and so has his match readiness. His bowling strategy and mindfulness have become sharper and he has picked Dhoni’s cricketing brain.
5. Shardul Thakur
The lord of the Indian team nowadays also thanks Dhoni for his vastly improved performance. Thakur has over the years become a more well-rounded cricketer. His time at CSK and especially under Dhoni has positively influenced his batting as well as his bowling. He has gained pace and now bowls more attacking lines. He bats without fear and is a superior cricketer to his own self.
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