IPL 2023: “Even When You Are On The Winning Side, It Is Important To Stay Neutral” – Ruturaj Gaikwad On His Learnings From MS Dhoni

The 25-year-old top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, who plays for Maharashtra in domestic cricket and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has opened up on his learnings from legendary captain MS Dhoni.

In a conversation with the 45-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra on his official YouTube channel, Gaikwad talked about how Dhoni used to calm players down after defeats. He added that Dhoni has taught him to stay neutral in both positive and negative situations.

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“All the players gelled really well. Everyone used to be a little quiet for 10–15 mins after losing a game. But Mahi bhai…after coming back from the presentation, would tell us, ‘Relax boys, it happens.’,” CSK opener Gaikwad told Chopra during the special interaction.

“You tend to relax a little bit after hearing that. MS Dhoni taught me how to stay neutral when things aren’t going your way. And even when you are on the winning side, it is important to stay neutral,” Gaikwad added.

Win or lose, MS Dhoni made sure that the team atmosphere remained the same – Ruturaj Gaikwad

The 25-year-old further said that Dhoni always made sure that the team environment of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains cool and calm and that there is no negativity, irrespective of the outcomes.

“Win or lose, MS Dhoni made sure that the team atmosphere remained the same. Yes, there was surely a lot of disappointment, but no negativity. There was no blame game. A lot of times when you keep on losing, different groups are formed within the team. But that didn’t happen in CSK,” Gaikwad added.

The young top-order batter also revealed that the team meetings conducted by the legendary captain MS Dhoni are always very short.

“MS Dhoni’s meetings are usually very short. Even after losing, the longest meeting would be around two or three minutes. He would tell us that there is a dinner plan, so make sure everyone is ready for it. He would make us understand that it isn’t possible for CSK to win each and every time,” he concluded.

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