A thrilling opening match between the Chennai Super Kings and the reigning champion Gujarat Titans will kick off the 2023 Indian Premier League on March 31 in Ahmedabad. A host of CSK stars have already started preparations for the upcoming season in Chennai including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni; the wicketkeeper-batter is expected to lead the Super Kings for another season after he had made a return to leadership position mid-way through the previous season.
Before the 2022 edition of the competition, Dhoni had given Ravindra Jadeja the captaincy. But after a disappointing start to the season Jadeja relinquished his Captaincy and MSD once again took over CSK’s reign.
With four championships to date, Dhoni has been among the league’s most successful leaders. Although the wicketkeeper-batter is renowned for his cool, collected demeanor on the field, former India star Robin Uthappa has disclosed that Dhoni is a “very open person” with his teammates and recalled a specific incident from his playing days for CSK.
Uthappa joined CSK during the 2021 season of the competition, and the top batter was crucial to the team’s triumph in that same year. Uthappa played for the CSK in the second half of the competition, taking the place of an underwhelming Suresh Raina in the XI, and helped the team achieve their fourth championship with significant contributions.
Robin Uthappa discussed about Dhoni’s behavior as well as attitude and honesty to let him know about his chances of breaking into the CSK squad.
“MS is a very open person. He does not hesitate in speaking the truth, even if it hurts you. I remember when I was signed by CSK in the auction, he called me and said, ‘I am not sure if you’ll get a chance to play because the season is still far away and I haven’t given it any thought. If you do end up playing, I will let you know.’ By now, I had enjoyed 13 successful years in the IPL. Still, he told me to my face what he had to do. I still appreciate that a lot,” Uthappa told JioCinema.
