MS Dhoni didn't help struggling Shardul Thakur in IPL alleges former CSK teammate
Published - 04 Sep 2024, 10:54 AM | Updated - 04 Sep 2024, 11:41 PM
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Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recalled a story when legendary skipper MS Dhoni didn't help Shardul Thakur at Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Harbhajan Singh highlighted that MS Dhoni didn't come to advise Shardul Thakur despite being hit for consecutive boundaries in a match.
MS Dhoni is considered one of the greatest captains of the Indian national cricket team.
Dhoni led the Men in Blue to three ICC trophies during his captaincy career. The wicketkeeper-batter is also known for his mentorship and leadership in assisting bowlers in challenging situations.
Kane Williamson Hit Him Down The Boundary For A Boundary - Harbhajan Singh
In a chat with former India Under-19 batter Taruwar Kohli, Harbhajan Singh said that he asked MS Dhoni to intervene and assist Shardul Thakur in a match for the Chennai Super Kings. Singh said that Dhoni declined to help Shardul, who had conceded consecutive boundaries.
"I remember a game we were playing for CSK. I was fielding at the short fine leg and MS Dhoni was keeping," Harbhajan said.
"Shardul Thakur was bowling and the first ball Kane Williamson hit him down the ground for a boundary. The next ball, the same length, and Williamson played the same shot. I went to MS and asked him to tell Shardul to try and bowl different lengths," he added.
Harbhajan and Dhoni played together for several years with both the Indian team and CSK. Shardul Thakur was part of CSK from 2018 to 2021 and returned for the IPL 2024 season.
Harbhajan was with CSK for three of those seasons, and the incident likely occurred between 2018 and 2020.
That Was MS Dhoni's Way - Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan said that Dhoni wanted bowlers to learn from their mistakes rather than being spoon-fed. Harbhajan mentioned that Dhoni believed if he intervened immediately, Shardul Thakur wouldn’t learn.
"MS said to me 'Paaji agar aaj bataunga na, yeh kabhi nahi seekhega (If I tell him now, then he will never learn). Let him learn by himself'. His thought process was that when Shardul got hit for boundaries, he would learn it quickly. That was MS Dhoni's way," Singh added.
MS Dhoni Is Very Calm - Harbhajan Singh
The cricketer-turned-commentator praised Dhoni for his calm demeanor, clarity of vision, and ability to inspire his team. Singh said that Dhoni maintains a positive team environment by treating everyone equally.
"He is very calm, which is a huge deal. Secondly, he is very clear about what he wants. And third, his ability to win games reflects on the team as well. These are three very important things Dhoni does," Harbhajan added.
"Also, he ensures a great team environment is maintained. No one is treated like a biggie or a kid at the same time. What he has done matters. He has always prioritized team goals over individuals."
CSK won five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 under Dhoni's leadership. The former Indian skipper is one of the most successful captains in the league, alongside Rohit Sharma. Dhoni stepped down as captain before the 2024 IPL season, passing the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
