'The biggest strength of leader is that he builds future leaders' - Navjot Singh Sidhu opens up on CSK's consistent performance

Year after year, the Chennai Super Kings continue to go against the odds and perform consistently in the Indian Premier League. Despite not always having the most star-studded squad, CSK has an incredible ability to get the best out of their players.

Many cricketers like Shane Watson, Shivam Dube, and Moeen Ali have flourished after joining the Chennai camp despite failing to create a similar impact elsewhere. 

As CSK currently sits at the third position in the IPL 2024 points table, former India cricketer turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu provided a brilliant insight into why players up their game under former skipper MS Dhoni's leadership.

Also read: 4 records and milestones broken by MS Dhoni in Match 13

Talent is nothing without opportunity: Navjot Singh Sidhu

In a chat on Star Sports, Sidhu was asked about CSK's ability to revive careers as well as Dhoni's role in backing youngsters like Sameer Rizvi as a finisher. Sidhu explained that talented youngsters need opportunities.

"Talent is nothing without opportunity. You have to give youngsters an opportunity. One is giving opportunity and the other thing is the player accepting the challenge. You have got to give Rizvi that confidence," Sidhu said.

On why players perform better at CSK, Sidhu added, "The same player isn't that strong in the other team, but when he comes to Dhoni, he becomes a completely different player, how? Because a good leader is the one who walks behind him and ignites faith."

He elaborated on how Dhoni builds future leaders, "A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of vinegar. So, therefore, fitting people in their rightful place is what is most important. Dhoni is an asset when he bats and finishes. Jadeja and Dhoni, one plus one is 11. They are multiplying their strength. Dhoni has nothing to prove. The biggest strength of a leader is that who builds future leaders. He will unlock potential for the youngsters."

Also read: Navjot Singh Sidhu weighs in on Mumbai Indians' captaincy change

Sidhu highlighted the immense value of being an effective finisher, a role Dhoni has mastered.

"The bigger challenge is not batting at No. 3 or No. 4, the bigger challenge is when you bat for the last six overs, the last 7 overs. That is the time when you are tested, why? That's when you are going to be scoring 1 ball, 3 runs. 1 ball, 2 and a half. This skill is in a very few people. I am telling you, it's not easy to be a finisher. You are not getting accolades, but it's the quality of those runs, that helps the team win or lose," Sidhu concluded.