CSK vs LSG: MS Dhoni appoints his batting replacement in CSK nets, grooms this youngster to take over (Watch Video)

Legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni's stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been synonymous with success and a unique approach to nurturing and grooming young players.

As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) leader, Dhoni has played a crucial role in nurturing talent within the team and in shaping the team's culture off the field. Under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK has not only won five IPL titles, but the franchise has also provided a platform for emerging players to thrive.

The former Indian skipper is known for identifying raw talent and giving them opportunities to shine through the IPL. Dhoni's calm demeanor and astute cricketing brain instill confidence in the youngsters, allowing them to express themselves freely on the field.

MS Dhoni trains Sameer Rizvi as CSK's next finisher

The legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s influence on grooming players is evident in the success stories of several young cricketers at CSK.

Players like Deepak Chahar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shardul Thakur have all credited Dhoni for playing a key role in their development. Even the senior players, like Ajinkya Rahane, shined under Dhoni’s leadership and mentorship when everyone wrote him off.

However, Dhoni handed over the CSK’s captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of this season and plays only as a wicketkeeper-batter. However, the legendary cricketer is still actively involved in nurturing talent within the squad, and now the latest talent is Sameer Rizvi. The 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh batter is currently part of the CSK team in the ongoing IPL 2024.

The Meerut-born Rizvi is known for his ultra-aggressive batting and lofting for big sixes, and now Dhoni himself is helping the CSK star hone his skills with the bat.

Dhoni is presently grooming Rizvi as the next finisher for CSK, and that’s evident is the short clip shared by the franchise on X (formerly known as Twitter).

In the short clip shared by CSK on X, Sameer Rizvi can be seen repeating Dhoni’s shots with the same intensity during the team's net session, and it was an absolute joy to watch. The youngster can be seen copying Dhoni’s flick, uppercut, and helicopter shot. The video went viral on social media in no time.

Watch Here:

First, hit 🏏
Then, repeat 💯🔁#CSKvLSG #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/I3qaLH0Xho

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2024

CSK paid a heavy price for Rizvi

Notably, CSK brought Rizvi for a whopping Rs. 8.4 crore at the auction last year, thanks to his stellar performance in domestic cricket. He made his IPL debut against the Gujarat Titans (GT) this season.

Earlier, the young batter said that he is currently leaving his dream to share the CSK dressing room with the legendary Dhoni, and he wants to replicate the success of the former Indian skipper.

Rizvi had told CSK: “I have asked a couple of questions to Dhoni bhaiya – he suggested some things, since then my aim has been to execute those learnings in the field – I can feel that I am improving with more practice, if I get an opportunity, I wish to replicate the success of Dhoni Bhaiya.”

Notably, the CSK will host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next game in the ongoing IPL 2024 on Tuesday, April 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.