"Want to make MS Dhoni sir and CSK proud" - Aravelly Avanish ahead of U19 WC final

India U19 wicket-keeper Aravelly Avanish expressed his excitement to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He said that he wants to make skipper MS Dhoni and the entire franchise proud.

Aravelly Avanish will be donning the CSK attire for the next edition of the IPL. The keeper-batter will be playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni and it’s fair to say that he will be getting no better skipper to kick-start his career at the big level of competitive cricket.

MS Dhoni has been the guiding light for many youngsters. He has helped many youngsters to develop and have changed their careers. Aravelly Avanish would be hoping that something similar happens with him because he will be getting the best guidance. And CSK management is known for grooming young players.

Aravelly Avanish is one of the most exciting cricketers in the country. The left-handed keeper is currently part of the Indian squad for the U19 World Cup 2024. He would be hoping to play a vital role for the team in the final against Australia.

Aravelly Avanish admitted that he couldn’t believe it after he was picked by the Chennai Super Kings. He recalled his first reaction after getting picked by the franchise and opened up about his goal.

He said that he doesn’t want to think about IPL currently as he wants to focus on the final against Australia. He added that playing under MS Dhoni will be a dream come true moment for him. Speaking to PTI, he explained:

“I could not believe that I have been selected by CSK. It took a while to realise that. I was at home that time and our phone was continuously ringing on that day. I want to make Dhoni sir and the CSK family proud.

“IPL is not in my mind right now. After the final, I will think about it, but it is a dream of every cricketer to be a part of the CSK team and play under Dhoni sir. It was really a dream come true moment for me.”

His WC 2011 final inning – Aravelly Avanish wants to learn from MS Dhoni

Aravelly Avanish further said that he always wanted to become a cricketer and his father made him develop an interest in cricket by making him watch games on TV. He opened up about the learnings he wanted from MS Dhoni while pointing out his 2011 World Cup final innings. He elaborated:

“I have always wanted to become a cricketer since childhood. Papa used to watch cricket on TV when I was a kid. I used to sit with him and that’s how my interest developed.

“I want to learn about the mindset in pressure situations from him. Like when the team is under pressure and not performing well, how he uses his mind to win matches from those situations. His WC 2011 final inning. There is so much to learn from him.”

MS Dhoni is likely to play his last season in the league in 2024. He would be hoping to end his career on high.