Maharashtra pacer Tushar De shpande has revealed MS Dhoni’s speech after the Chennai Super Kings' victory in the IPL 2023 final. Deshpande has been key in CSK ‘s fifth title win as he picked up 21 wickets. Before the season, he was written off based on his stint with Delhi Capitals which did not go according to plan. But he improved greatly under MS Dhoni this season and gained valuable experience.
Deshpande said that Dhoni backed him even if he did not bowl well in any game and expressed his admiration for Dhoni’s ‘clear plans’. He benefitted greatly from playing under Dhoni like many others over the years as MSD has nurtured many members of the current title-winning teams. Moeen Ali was not getting enough chances at RCB, Ajinkya Rahane was never considered a T20 player, and Devon Conway was purchased for just one crore all of whom have played a part.
While speaking to Indian Express, Deshpande recalled Dhoni’s small speech in the dressing room after winning the IPL. He said, “He told everyone hard work is paid off, but do remember what we did right this year and where we went wrong. Yeh season tumko kya seekha ke gaya hai, aur aage kya karna hai, yeh zaroor sochna.”
Many expected Dhoni to retire after this season but he has said that he will try and continue playing for one more season next year if his body allows. Dhoni played with a knee injury throughout this season which limited his batting. The CSK captain is set to undergo knee surgery in Mumbai.