MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been synonymous in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having been roped in back in the inaugural season as their leader, Dhoni guided the team to four titles in the history of IPL while CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in just one season. That is how formidable Chennai has been in IPL and Dhoni has played a significant role in that. And recalling his time at Rising Pune Supergiants in 2018, former England skipper, Kevin Pietersen revealed what CSK truly meant to Dhoni.
For a brief period of a couple of IPL seasons, MS Dhoni was seen playing for the Pune Supergiants between 2016 and 2017 after CSK was suspended from the league for those a couple of seasons, along with Rajasthan Royals, owing to corruption charges. Dhoni led in 2016 and was dropped from captaincy the next season.
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During a recent chat with Star Sports before the start of Chennai’s game against Punjab Kings, Kevin Pietersen acknowledged that while Dhoni, being “incredibly professional”, gave his 100 percent to Pune in those couple of seasons, he was elated when Chennai was back in IPL for the 2018 season.
Explaining the same, Kevin Pietersen said, “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.”
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He further added, “He always gives his 100 percent. 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. Its a family to him. Ravi has spent a lot more time with him.”
Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni to IPL glory in 2018, scripting a comeback for ages and then again in 2020, after a forgettable 2021 season.
