IPL 2024: Ajinkya Rahane reveals why every match feels like home game for CSK

The seventeenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is witnessing a phenomenon where every match for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) feels like a home game. The reason behind it is the massive fan following of the legendary MS Dhoni.

Ajinkya Rahane, the experienced CSK batter, has provided a unique perspective on the Dhoni effect that makes every IPL match a home game for the defending champions. Rahane's insights shed light on how the iconic captain's massive fanbase transforms every venue into a virtual home ground for the team.

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Rahane, who joined CSK in 2023, has become one of the reliable batting options for the side. In the ongoing IPL season, the veteran batter has scored 119 runs in five matches, playing a crucial role in the team's successes.

"In a different perspective, when we are traveling everywhere just because of one man, we are playing a home match just because of Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni). That's a wonderful feeling. When we are playing with him, so many things you can learn as a cricketer, as a human being, and how he conducts himself. Mumbai guys, Maharashtra guys playing in CSK, the atmosphere which we have in the dressing room within the group is fantastic," Rahane said in an interview for CSK.

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MS Dhoni keeps it very simple and backs every individual: Ajinkya Rahane  

The Maharashtra-born batter further spoke on how Dhoni's advice has been a guiding principle throughout his career, dating back to his T20 debut in 2011.

"When I made my T20 debut in 2011 in Manchester, we just finished our practice and on the day of the game, he came up to me and said 'However you have played your game all this while, just play that way, just go out there and express yourself', that stuck to me till now. I mean, even in CSK he told me, Just play your game, no added pressure. I think that is why he is so great, he keeps it very simple and backs every individual," Rahane added.

In the ongoing season, the five-time champions have won three out of their five matches and are currently in the fourth position on the points table. They will be facing arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their next clash on 14th April at the Wankhede stadium.