IPL 2025: MS Dhoni Says Bhojpuri Commentary Feels Like Old-School Radio — Full of Energy and Involvement

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Cricket lovers across India are enjoying the TATA IPL in multiple languages, and the energetic flavour of Bihari (Bhojpuri) commentary has caught the attention of none other than MS Dhoni.

The legendary former India captain, known for his calm demeanour and sharp game sense, recently spoke about his experience with commentary and the charm of regional language broadcasts.

Speaking on The MSD Experience on JioHotstar, Dhoni shared, "I haven't listened to regional language commentary much because when we watch live matches, replays are limited, and most of the commentary I hear is in English or Hindi. That helps us analyse the game better. Personally, I also like listening to what commentators say because most of them are former players. While I may be playing 17 games in a season, they cover hundreds of matches across different tournaments and countries. Their exposure to various situations and teams is immense."

He further added how listening to commentators sparks fresh ideas in players. "As players, we know our team’s strengths and weaknesses, but listening to commentary gives you an outsider’s perspective. It sparks new ideas—like 'why don’t we try this approach?’—which can then be evaluated based on intelligence and data to see if it fits within the team’s strategy. I haven't heard a lot of regional commentary, but I know that Bihari (Bhojpuri) commentary is highly energetic. It reminds me of old-school radio commentary, where the commentators were very involved. I find that very interesting. Many people prefer to listen in their regional language—it’s their mother tongue, and they want to experience the game in that way. I would love to hear Haryanvi commentary because it’s quite unique."

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Ruturaj’s Calm Leadership Stands Out

Dhoni also shared insights into why Ruturaj Gaikwad was chosen as the captain of Chennai Super Kings this season. He explained the long-term thinking behind this move: "You have to look at the long-term picture. More often than not, the batsmen who are part of your core squad and do well for you are the ones you can rely on for a longer period. With bowlers, especially fast bowlers, there is always a tendency for injuries. Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. He has done well for us. His temperament is very good—he’s very calm, very composed. He and Fleming get along very well."

Dhoni revealed he had informed Ruturaj of the leadership plans long ago. "After IPL last year, I almost immediately told him, '90% you will lead next season, so start preparing yourself mentally’. Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, 'If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’"

He clarified that Gaikwad was making all key decisions during matches. "During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background. But the fact is, he was making 99% of the decisions. The most important calls—bowling changes, field placements—were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players."

Adapting to Changing Cricket Dynamics

On evolving his game in the changing landscape of T20 cricket, Dhoni explained, "You have to adapt according to the requirements. The way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played IPL last year—it’s very different. Earlier, there was a lot of turn in the wickets. Wickets were two-paced. Now, India’s wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly. The size of the ground remains the same. Also, we have started playing slightly earlier in the season, so factors like dew come into play."

He highlighted how players are innovating with their shot-making. "Batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can play big strokes, and at the same time, they are improvising with their shot selection. They are adding new shots—whether it's a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer. I’m no different, I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant."

Bond with Virat Kohli: Built on Mutual Respect and Learning

Finally, Dhoni opened up about his special relationship with Virat Kohli. "Right from the start, Virat was someone who wanted to contribute. He was never satisfied with scoring just 40 or 60 runs—he always aimed for a century and wanted to remain not out till the end. That hunger for success was there from the beginning."

He continued, "We had many conversations, and that helped both of us. It was always an honest exchange of ideas—whether a certain approach was right or if an adjustment could have been made. Initially, it was more of a relationship between a captain and a young player, but over time, as we kept interacting, we became friends. Even today, we share that bond, though there’s always a line of respect between a senior and a junior."

Clearly, MS Dhoni remains as insightful and humble off the field as he was on it — blending old-school wisdom with modern-day adaptation.