Bowlers will learn to swim on their own under Dhoni's leadership: Lakshmipathy Balaji

India’s one of the most successful captain MS Dhoni will return as a leader of the side when the 36-year-old captains his franchise side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 11th edition of the IPL. Under Dhoni, a number of bowlers have flourished both in the IPL and Indian cricket team. Likes of R Ashwin and Jadeja have played with Indian skipper in the IPL.

CSK had earlier appointed former India bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji as their bowling coach for the upcoming season of the IPL. Interestingly, Balaji played under Dhoni for 2 seasons in the IPL. Balaji used an analogy to describe how Dhoni works with his bowlers. According to Balaji, a bowler’s evolution under Dhoni is like that of a person learning to swim on their own after being pushed into the water by the coach.

Dhoni gives freedom to the players: Balaji

According to Balaji, Dhoni doesn’t involve himself much with the bowlers and allows them the space to do what they feel that can instead of asking to do things differently. While speaking to Times of India, Balaji said he has experienced the same with MS Dhoni when he played under him in the IPL. He also claimed that Dhoni is one of the greatest captains.

“Dhoni doesn’t involve much and only when a bowler is really thrown into a corner he takes over. He will give you challenges and let you be in your space to understand them. He will not compel a bowler to do something which is not the bowler’s style. That I have experienced as a player. On the field, you will be handled by one of the greatest captains. Dhoni will give you the freedom. Apart from that, you will learn to swim on your own under Dhoni’s leadership,” Balaji told Times of India.

It will be interesting to see If the duo of Dhoni and Balaji can help CSK win the title on their return.