MS Dhoni Has Transformed CSK With His Leadership Traits: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin, former Chennai Super Kings off-spinner, has hailed MS Dhoni for his exceptional leadership qualities and credited him as the major reason behind CSK getting transformed into one of the greatest franchise teams ever.

Ashwin kickstarted his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings in 2010 where he emerged as one of MS Dhoni’s trump cards. The ace Indian off-spinner went on to spend seven seasons at CSK and has observed the leadership traits of MS Dhoni, which led to the franchise becoming a force to reckon with.

“I know a lot over the years, in terms of how CSK has come through, how MS has transformed the whole franchise and what it means to him,” Ravichandran Ashwin told Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz live.

“For me, CSK is a team that was driven by MS’ leadership traits. A lot of people talk about MS’ leadership. My leadership in itself is what is going to come out of me having been a leader in the last couple of years,” he added.

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“MS Dhoni’s leadership has always been “you guys enjoy it, I will take care of the tumultuous moments”- Ravichandran Ashwin

After hailing Dhoni’s leadership traits, Ashwin went on to say the former Indian captain’ middle-order batsmanship is one of the least talked about facets of his game. Dhoni has been brilliant in the middle-order for CSK. He has racked up 3309 runs in the IPL while batting at No.4 and 5.

“It think MS’s middle-order batsmanship is not talked about enough. In franchise cricket, or T20 cricket or any format of white-ball cricket, the most difficult art to master is middle-order batsmanship. A leader inspires a team by pulling them out from deep trenches, MS has done it way too many more times than anybody I have seen,” said Ashwin.

Ashwin said that Dhoni’s leadership has always been about letting his teammates enjoy while he spearheads in all the tumultuous moments.

“MS Dhoni’s leadership has always been “you guys enjoy it, I will take care of the tumultuous moments. He has done it nine out of ten times, pulling his team out of trenches. He puts the onus on himself and very often pulls the team out of trouble. If that’s not a man to rally behind at a franchise, who else would you for,” said Ashwin.

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