The seventeenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) sees every match for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) feeling like a home game, thanks to the immense fan following of the legendary MS Dhoni. Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned CSK batter, sheds light on the unique Dhoni effect that essentially turns every IPL match into a home fixture for the defending champions. Rahane’s insights underscore how the massive fanbase of the iconic captain creates an atmosphere akin to a home ground at every venue they visit.
Since joining CSK in 2023, Rahane has emerged as a reliable batting option for the team. In the current IPL season, he has amassed 119 runs in five matches, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
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“In a different perspective, when we are traveling everywhere just because of one man, we are playing a home match just because of Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni). That’s a wonderful feeling. When we are playing with him, so many things you can learn as a cricketer, as a human being, and how he conducts himself. Mumbai guys, Maharashtra guys playing in CSK, the atmosphere which we have in the dressing room within the group is fantastic,” Ajinkya Rahane expressed in an interview for CSK.
🗣️ straight from Ajju bhai’s heart! 💛🦁#LionUpClose full video out now 🔽#WhistlePodu #Yellove
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 12, 2024
Ajinkya Rahane, who hails from Maharashtra, also reflected on Dhoni’s invaluable advice throughout his career, tracing back to his T20 debut in 2011.
“When I made my T20 debut in 2011 in Manchester, we just finished our practice and on the day of the game, he came up to me and said ‘However you have played your game all this while, just play that way, just go out there and express yourself’, that stuck to me till now. I mean, even in CSK he told me, Just play your game, no added pressure. I think that is why he is so great, he keeps it very simple and backs every individual,” Ajinkya Rahane shared.
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In the ongoing season, the five-time champions have clinched victory in three out of their five matches, currently holding the fourth position on the points table. They are geared up to face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their upcoming clash on April 14th at the Wankhede Stadium.
