IPL 2022: Gave His 100% At Rising Pune Supergiant But CSK Is Family To Him - Kevin Pietersen Recalls MS Dhoni's Reaction When CSK Returned To IPL

MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings have been one and the same in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having been roped in back in the debut season as their skipper, Dhoni directed the team to four IPL titles while CSK missed the playoff games capability in only one season.

That is the means by which impressive Chennai has been in IPL and Dhoni had played a huge impact in that. Also, reviewing his time at Rising Pune Supergiant in 2018, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen uncovered how CSK really affected Dhoni.

That Yellow Outfit Means So Much To MS Dhoni: Kevin Pietersen

For a concise time of two seasons, Dhoni played for the Pune Supergiants between 2016 and 2017 after CSK were suspended from the league for those two seasons, alongside Rajasthan Royals, attributable to defilement allegations. Dhoni drove in 2016 and was dropped from captaincy from the following season.

Addressing Star Sports before the beginning of Chennai’s match against Punjab Kings, Pietersen conceded that while Dhoni, being “extraordinarily proficient”, gave his 100% to Pune in those two seasons, he was thrilled when Chennai were back in IPL for the 2018 season.

“That yellow outfit means so much to MS Dhoni. I remember playing with him in Pune Supergiants for a couple of seasons and he was so happy to back to CSK when they came back into the competition. He was incredibly professional. He did the best job he could because that is the kind of guy he is.

“He always gives his 100 per cent. In Pune, he was incredible in what he tried to deliver. But if you look at his energy, the way he punches at the grille of the helmet and how much CSK means to MS Dhoni. It’s a family to him. Ravi has spent a lot more time with him,” he said.

Dhoni drove CSK to the IPL championship in 2018, producing a magnificent comeback and afterwards again in 2020, after a forgettable 2021 season.

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