'I never had to reprimand Mahi for anything': MS Dhoni coach Keshav Banerjee | Exclusive

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former India captain MS Dhoni will be taking guard for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025.

Keshav Ranjan Banerjee, the childhood coach of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, recalls the early days of the former Indian captain with great fondness.

As the cricket coach at Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi, Banerjee first spotted Dhoni's potential when he was a class VI student playing as a football goalkeeper. Recognizing his agility and quick reflexes, Banerjee persuaded young Dhoni to try his hand at wicketkeeping, a decision that would lay the foundation for a remarkable cricketing career.

Banerjee describes Dhoni as a punctual and disciplined student who exhibited a natural talent for cricket. His dedication to the sport was evident from the beginning. During an exclusive chat with MyKhel, Banerjee revealed Dhoni as a very calm and non-mischievous student. The veteran coach also noted that in his 12 years of service at the school, he never had to rebuke the India legend.

"I have no knowledge of him being mischievous. During my time in the school, around 12 years, I never had to reprimand Mahi for anything."

When asked if he supports CSK for his student, Banerjee says he only believes in the progression of Indian cricket. He has no bias for any team and only wants to witness

"I trust the sport. Overall, the improvement will be of Indian cricket [through IPL]. I am not against RCB or KKR, I just want cricketers' development and want to witness the cricket growing in the country."

This will be the 18th season in a row for MS Dhoni in the IPL. The stalwart has led CSK to five IPL title victories over the years.