Ravi Shastri, former India coach, recently praised the impact of MS Dhoni in helping the Indian Premier League (IPL) grow as a brand. This tribute came as Chennai Super Kings captain, Dhoni, completed 15 years as an IPL player on April 19, 2023.
Shastri acknowledged Dhoni‘s contribution to both the IPL and CSK and stated that there couldn’t be enough words to describe how important Dhoni has been for the Indian T20 league over the past 15 years.
Since his IPL debut as CSK captain on April 19, 2008, against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), Dhoni has played in all 16 editions of the cash-rich league to date. Under his leadership, CSK has reached nine IPL finals and 11 playoffs in the 13 editions of their participation in the IPL.
Speaking ahead of the RR vs LSG IPL 2023 match, Shastri said, “Just with his presence there, just the way he conducts himself, just what he has done for the franchise Chennai Super Kings, made them a brand. He mentioned that he is called Thala, which means leader. When he walks into Chennai, his contribution is immense.”
Dhoni’s coolness and poise, combined with his smart cricketing brain, make for a lethal combination on the cricketing field. The gleaming cutlery in CSK’s trophy cabinets is a testament to his exceptional leadership. For the first eight seasons of the league, Dhoni was the face of CSK, leading them to two wins (2010 and 2011) and four runner-up finishes.
In the ninth edition of the league, he was the first player picked by Rising Pune Supergiant. And, once again, he was the first player retained by CSK ahead of the 2018 IPL Player Auction. The league’s 2018 season ended on a fairytale note, with another Dhoni leading CSK to their 3rd IPL title win.
Even after retiring from Team India after a 16-year distinguished stint, Dhoni has continued to lead CSK with great success. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first player to lead a single team in 200 IPL matches. The match between CSK and Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk was MSD’s 200th game as CSK captain.
