The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has always been led by none other than MS Dhoni and he credits the team management for making him a better player and helping him gain the knowledge of tackling some difficult situations both on and off the field.

Dhoni, who has been on a sabbatical since India’s semifinal exit from the ODI World Cup last year, on Monday received a rousing reception at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai during CSK’s first training session with CSK ahead of the tournament beginning March 29.

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During a show on the broadcasting channel, MS said, “CSK has helped me improve in everything, whether it was being a human being or being a cricketer, handling situations that are tough both in and out of the field and how to be humble once you are doing well.”

It has often been seen that Dhoni’s ardent fans call him ‘Thala’, and he said the love and respect he has got from them is special.

Dhoni further explained, “‘Thala’ basically means brother, so for me, it’s more the abstract of the fans, the love, and affection towards me is the reflection of that, Whenever I am in Chennai or down South they never call me by my name, they address me as ‘Thala’ and the moment someone calls me ‘Thala’ they are showing their love and respect but at the same time he is a CSK fan.”

There have been never-ending rumors regarding Dhoni’s career but the wicket-keeper batsman, who led India to three ICC titles, has maintained complete silence on what his next move would be. Earlier this year in January, he was dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players.

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Dhoni witnesses a near ‘God’ status in Chennai for the way he has led the franchise ever since the inaugural edition. So-much-so that the CSK fans in Chennai even throng to the stadium during Dhoni’s practice session.