CSK has helped me in handling tough situations: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, the veteran Indian cricketer, has lavished praises on Chennai Super Kings (CSK), his franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old hasn’t played any cricket ever since he was run out in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup way back in July 2019. There have been several speculations on his return and also on when he will retire from cricket.

Now after eight months, the Jharkhand-born is set to mark his return in the 2020 edition of the IPL. Dhoni has already reached Chennai, keeping an eye on the upcoming T20 tournament, and was greeted gleefully. Dhoni credited the Super Kings for teaching him the art of handling tough situations and staying humble when achievements are coming thick and fast.

For me it’s more the abstract of the fans, says MS Dhoni

“…CSK has helped me improve in everything, whether it was being a human being or being a cricketer, handling situations that are tough both in and out of the field and how to be humble once you are doing well,” Dhoni was quoted as saying on a show for the official broadcasting channel, reported by Times of India (TOI).

His fans in the CSK, popularly call him ‘Thala’ and Dhoni expressed gratitude for the love and support he has gotten over the years. “‘Thala’ basically means brother, so for me it’s more the abstract of the fans, the love and affection towards me is the reflection of that,”

“Whenever I am in Chennai or down South they never call me by my name, they address me as ‘Thala’ and the moment someone calls me ‘Thala’ they are showing their love and respect but at the same time he is a CSK fan,” he added.

Dhoni has been plying his trade for the Super Kings since the inaugural edition of the IPL back in 2008. In 2016 and 2017, he played for the Pune franchise during CSK’s suspension period. However, in 2018, he came back and guided CSK to their third title.

Even in 2019, the Super Kings progressed to the final, but lost to the Mumbai Indians by one run. Dhoni has played 190 games in the IPL, scoring 4432 runs at an average of 42.20 with 23 fifties to show for his efforts.