IPL 2023: Kris Srikkanth hails MS Dhoni's ability to instill confidence in teammates

Kolkata, April 23: Former India cricketer and former chief selector Krisnamachari Srikkanth has hailed Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his ability to instill confidence in his teammates.

Dhoni and CSK have had a history of turning some players, who were discards or unwanted, into players performing at the top of their ability. Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane is one recent example.

Before Rahane, CSK had given several other players, including Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu, to revive their careers when they were not looked at by other teams in the IPL auctions.

Rahane had hardly figured in the last two IPL seasons, playing twice for Delhi Capitals in 2021 and seven times for Kolkata Knight Riders last year, and had not made a half-century in the tournament since November 2020.

CSK signed him for INR 50 lakh in the auction, and Rahane said that he had been encouraged by captain MS Dhoni to be himself. Citing that, K Srikkanth said Rahane who is batting with renewed energy in this TATA IPL is a fine example of CSK and Dhoni.

"MS Dhoni trusts his teammates, and that is the reason he backs them to give their best. There are many such case studies, and the latest one is that of Ajinkya Rahane," Srikkanth said on Star Sports Cricket Live.

"Rahane himself admitted that Dhoni only asked him to enjoy his game. And then everyone knows what Rahane did after going in the field."

Rahane has amassed 138 runs in 4 innings at an impressive strike rate of 187.57. The 34-year-old also smashed a 19-ball fifty, the second quicked half century of the season, showcasing his ability to score at a brisk pace.

"Mahi bhai [Dhoni] was there and the instructions from him were pretty simple: back your game, play to your strengths rather than trying to do something else. It's all about knowing your game and, when you get an opportunity, just back that game," Rahane had said earlier.

"Mahi bhai's instruction was completely clear, just play with intent, back yourself, don't change anything else. If your intent is good, I have the shots that I can play at any ground so it was all about keeping it simple for me. I'm happy to bat anywhere. It's all about your mindset and what you want to do for your team."

MS Dhoni's CSK will next be in action against Rahane's former team Kolkata Knight Riders in the second match of Sunday (April 23) double-header at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.