Roseau: Despite his retirement from international cricket, former Indian captain MS Dhoni continues to wield significant influence within the Indian cricket team. Young cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both batsmen, hold Dhoni in high regard and credit him for the lessons learned during their time playing alongside him in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a heartwarming conversation shared by the official page of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jaiswal and Gaikwad expressed their admiration and gratitude towards Dhoni ahead of India’s first Test against the West Indies.
Gaikwad, who had the opportunity to play alongside “Captain Cool” at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 2-3 months during the IPL, described himself as “lucky” to have absorbed valuable lessons from the legendary player. Gaikwad acknowledged the privilege of learning from Dhoni’s vast experience and emphasised the importance of staying grounded in his career.
Jaiswal, a young opener for the Rajasthan Royals, recounted his memorable encounter with Dhoni during an IPL match. He admitted to experiencing “Goosebumps” when meeting the former Indian skipper and felt blessed to be in the presence of such a cricketing legend. Jaiswal expressed his desire to spend more time with Dhoni to gain further knowledge and insights from him.
Both cricketers acknowledged the significance of Dhoni’s mentorship in their respective careers. Gaikwad highlighted the eagerness of numerous players who approach Dhoni for advice or simply to engage in conversation after matches. Gaikwad recognised his own fortune in being able to speak to Dhoni regularly throughout the year, noting that the former captain had played a major role in his upbringing and taught him the importance of staying grounded.
The Indian cricket team is set to commence its ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 campaign with a two-Test series against the West Indies, with the first Test scheduled to begin in Dominica on Wednesday. As the team prepares for the challenging series, the influence of MS Dhoni continues to resonate, with young players like Jaiswal and Gaikwad cherishing the invaluable lessons learned from the former captain.
The admiration and respect for Dhoni among the current crop of Indian cricketers underline his lasting impact on the sport, transcending his retirement from international cricket. His guidance and presence in the dressing room continue to inspire and shape the careers of aspiring young talents, ensuring his legacy remains strong within Indian cricket.
Discussion about this post