“I’ve Never Seen a Leader Like Him…”: LSG Owner Sanjeev Goenka Praises MS Dhoni

Sanjiv Goenka, the current owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, has shared unique insights into his association with MS Dhoni during IPL 2016 and 2017. These two seasons marked a pivotal moment in Dhoni’s career as he transitioned from the Chennai Super Kings to Rising Pune Supergiants due to the former’s suspension.

Sanjiv Goenka’s Perspective on Dhoni

The suspension of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for two years was a significant blow to their fanbase. This hiatus led to the formation of Rising Pune Supergiants, where Dhoni played a crucial role. Dhoni was signed by Rising Pune Supergiants and was immediately handed the captaincy baton for IPL 2016. However, after just one season, he was replaced as captain, sparking rumors of a potential rift between him and the franchise owner, Sanjiv Goenka.

Reports of a rift between the two dominated headlines, but neither party commented publicly at the time. Recently, Goenka revealed that Dhoni approached the situation professionally, demonstrating his maturity and understanding of team dynamics.

Personal Experiences Shared by Goenka

Dhoni’s ability to adapt to challenges and reinvent his strategies is unmatched. Sanjiv Goenka highlighted this trait, praising Dhoni’s knack for making timely and impactful decisions. Dhoni’s role in grooming young talents like Matheesha Pathirana was particularly noteworthy. He transformed Pathirana into a match-winning bowler, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in cricket.

“You look at MS Dhoni, I have never seen a leader like him. His thinking and way of approach, how a person at his age can reinvent himself. Look at Pathirana, he is a young bowler, Dhoni groomed him to be a lethal matchwinner. He knows how to use his players when and he thinks accordingly. Whenever I interact with him, I get to learn something,” Sanjiv Goenka said in the TRS Podcast.

One of the most heartwarming anecdotes shared by Goenka involved Dhoni’s interaction with his 11-year-old grandson. Despite his busy schedule, Dhoni spent half an hour teaching cricket and answering questions, showcasing his humility and generosity.

“I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions and I told my grandson ‘Leave him now’. Dhoni replied ‘Let it be, I am enjoying this conversation’. Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. It makes you learn that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him,” Goenka concluded.

Dhoni’s Legacy in IPL

Dhoni remains a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings, being retained for INR 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. His presence adds strategic depth and leadership to the team. Dhoni’s leadership has been instrumental in CSK’s multiple IPL titles, and his retention underscores his enduring value to the franchise.

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