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Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, MS Dhoni is often known for his calm demeanor, both on and off the field. He has time and again assisted several cricketers from around the world during his playing days, be it for India or for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, CSK. His former CSK teammate, Harbhajan Singh recently recounted an incident when MS Dhoni declined to help out-of-form Shardul Thakur during an IPL match.
Harbhajan Singh, while speaking in a podcast with Taruwar Kohli, recalled an incident when Shardul Thakur was last with CSK between 2018 and 2021. Recalling one rare incident, Singh revealed that MS Dhoni refrained from helping Shardul Thakur after he was hit for boundaries by Kane Williamson.
“We were playing for CSK, and I was fielding at short fine leg. Shardul Thakur had been hit for boundaries by Kane Williamson. The first ball Kane Williamson hit him down the ground for a boundary. Next ball, same length and Williamson played the same shot and then I went to Dhoni, asking him to advise the bowler to alter his length,” Bhajji recalled. The former India bowler then revealed the shocking details said by the former CSK captain as he was ready to bear the cost of the game for the sake of Shardul Thakur’s personal growth. “MS said to me ‘Paaji agar aaj bataunga na, yeh kabhi nahi seekhega. (If I will tell him now, then he will never learn) Let him learn by himself’,” Singh revealed.
Watch Harbhajan Singh reveal MS Dhoni's statement for struggling Shardul Thakur:
Often known to be people’s leader, CSK won record five titles under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Hailing his leadership, Harbhajan Singh also highlighted on Dhoni’s character as he said, “Dhoni is calm and knows what he wants. His ability to win games reflects positively on the team. Dhoni doesn’t focus on individual achievements; the team’s success is more important to him. CSK is a special team and the atmosphere remains unchanged regardless of winning or losing.”
Harbhajan Singh highlights contrasting styles of captaincy between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma
During the same conversation, the former India cricketer also spoke of the contrasting styles between MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as captain of the team. While the two have been the most successful captains as MS Dhoni led India to three ICC titles, whereas Rohit Sharma also tasted success with his recent triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Bhajji was of the opinion that MS Dhoni would never go to a player and ask what field he wants and would rather allow the player to learn for his mistakes. Whereas, reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Singh added that Rohit would go to the players and talk to them, asking what they want to give them that confidence. Speaking on the podcast ‘Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli’, Bhajji said, “Dhoni and Rohit are completely different leaders. MS Dhoni will never go to a player and will ask him what field you want. He will let you learn from your mistakes.”
Watch Harbhajan Singh speak of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma's contrasting captaincy
“Rohit is very different. He will go and talk to each player. He is someone who will put his arm around your shoulder and tell you what he wants from you. He will give you that confidence that yes you can do it,” he added.
