Picture Credit: Twitter
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has had a big impact on Indian cricket in a lot many ways. From his days as India captain to now playing for Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni always has bonded well with his teammates and the coaching staff. He has regularly helped youngsters and is a mentor figure to many cricketers. MS Dhoni was under the limelight once again after he handed over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Dhoni has been the face of the Chennai Super Kings franchise ever since the start of the Indian Premier League. However, when CSK received a temporary suspension from IPL in 2016 along with the Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni played for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and captained the team in their debut season.
During that season, RPS hired a performance analyst coach Prasanna Agoram. Notably, the veteran coach has worked with many IPL franchises and also the South Africa cricket team. Prasanna recently shared a memorable incident from his first-ever interaction with MS Dhoni. While recalling his first meeting with MS Dhoni, Prasanna revealed that the Dhoni asked to not give him advice until he asks for it.
"When I had the opportunity to work with Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Pune Super Giants in IPL 2016, the first day we met he said, 'Let's have a chat.' We were in the Pune Stadium and he was about to put his pads on. He asked if he could get me a filter coffee. 'Yes please,' I replied. He called the guys there and gave a wink to get a filter coffee, and then continued chatting with me," Agoram wrote.
"Look, I know you have a lot of experience in this field and that players like you, and the coach Stephen Fleming got you on board. It's a pleasure to work with you," he said. "Give all the info and strategies to the coach and the players. Get the strategy meetings done with the players along with the coach, but don't expect me to be there and also don't give me any advice until I ask you. But mark a copy on the email on all your communications with the coach and players".
The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League is just a few hours away and four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play the tournament opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The defending champions will be hoping for a good start in the tournament under the leadership of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.