Deepak Chahar, the CSK pacer, praised captain MS Dhoni for creating a relaxed team atmosphere, maximizing player performance, and taking care of players across all age groups.
Chahar reminisced about his early days in the CSK setup and observed Dhoni’s efforts in making sure the young players in the team were not overwhelmed by the presence of established stars. Dhoni ensured that everyone felt at ease and comfortable within the team environment.
Deepak Chahar on MS Dhoni
During an episode of the Breakfast with Champions show, Chahar shared his thoughts on MS Dhoni’s skill in handling and motivating players.
“When I joined the CSK team, I noticed that during the team dinner, people are sitting in two-three tables. One was occupied by seniors, the overseas player had the other one and then there are juniors. The new players often hesitate to speak. Mahi bhai would always sit with juniors. That’s fixed,” Chahar said.
Chahar also discussed how the Chennai management avoids putting excessive pressure on the players.
“The ambience is different. Like, everything is optional here. No one will say anything to you. No one will say ‘you go to practice or you go to the gym’. You are a professional cricketer. It’s your responsibility to see what’s best for you. You can practice if you want. Or do it tomorrow or don’t do it at all. You can rest if you want. However, you will have to perform on the ground. Everybody knows that. Nobody will blame you even if you lose the match. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) doesn’t say anything either. There is no pressure on anyone,” he added.
Chahar also spoke about financial security for players
According to Deepak Chahar, the IPL contracts have played a crucial role in fostering fearlessness among Indian cricketers, even when they are new to the international cricket scene. Chahar believes that the financial security provided by these contracts enables players to perform on the biggest stage without being burdened by excessive pressure.
“Also, you don’t have financial crisis. Today, youngsters don’t face any financial crisis before playing for India. They are already well-paid in the IPL. That’s why players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar (Yadav) can hit a six in the very first ball in international cricket. Or else, no one would have dared to hit a six on the very first ball. They think that ‘one ball is nothing, I have talent, I can earn money,’” he said.
Having taken 12 wickets in 9 matches for CSK during the IPL 2023 season, Chahar will play a pivotal role for his team in the final against the Gujarat Titans, scheduled for Sunday, May 28.
