Ex-India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ambati Rayudu recently commended MS Dhoni, praising him for extracting the optimal performance from his players as a captain.
Rayudu highlighted the rejuvenation of senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane’s IPL career under Dhoni’s leadership at CSK. Speaking on The Ranveer Show, he expressed:
“Have you ever seen him (Ajinkya Rahane) bat like that? The way he has batted this year is tremendous, with the way he has come out and expressed himself.”
“He has always had the talent, but it is how you tap into it. That is where Dhoni bhai, being such a great leader, brings out the best in everybody. Even Stephen Fleming. Apart from MI, I don’t think any other franchises do that.”
Rahane received widespread acclaim for his batting performances in IPL 2023, accumulating 326 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 172.48.
Rayudu emphasized the positive impact of playing under Dhoni, stating that numerous Indian and foreign cricketers have benefited. He further indicated that in Indian cricket, there is nobody who can challenge the seasoned campaigner’s decision-making, elaborating:
“He has brought out the best in so many players across formats. And He has even brought out the best in many foreign players that have played for CSK. He has it in him.”
”I don’t even know how to express it because he is either blessed or he has cultivated it over so many years of playing the sport.”
“Many times I wonder why is he doing something which I wouldn’t think is appropriate, but end of the day, the results show that he was right.”
”He is right 99.99 percent of the time. I don’t think anybody in Indian cricket is in a position to question his decisions now because he has been so successful.” he added.
MS Dhoni and his team had an unforgettable season, claiming their fifth title. In a nail-biting encounter, the Chennai-based team defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) on the last ball to secure the trophy.
“He is very aggressive from the inside” – Ambati Rayudu thoughts on MS Dhoni’s anger
Ambati Rayudu added that although MS Dhoni projects a calm and composed exterior, there’s a considerable amount of aggression within him. However, Rayudu asserted that Dhoni never expresses anger when he observes a player putting in their best effort, stating:
“He (Dhoni) is very aggressive from the inside; otherwise, you wouldn’t be playing the sport for so long and competing for so long. What makes him so good is he never gets angry when somebody is giving their 100 percent and does a mistake. He is not angry just for the sake of it.”
Rayudu expressed his view that opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad is the suitable candidate to lead CSK following Dhoni’s retirement, mentioning:
“I think it should be Ruturaj Gaikwad. But post the Dhoni bhai era, I don’t think it will be that much of a difference. I still see him with CSK in some capacity, holding things together. So I am sure it will remain the same.”
Rayudu had a disappointing season with the bat, managing to score 158 runs in 12 innings during IPL 2023. Subsequently, he declared his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket after the tournament.
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