Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowler L Balaji shared what MS Dhoni told him after bowling the final over of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 final. April 19, 2008, marked the debut of Dhoni and CSK in the IPL, and Balaji reminisced about his time working with the iconic wicketkeeper during the tournament's initial three years.
'He has been an amazing idol for the next generation'
In an interview with Star Sports, Balaji highlighted Dhoni’s role as a great brand ambassador for the next generation. He lauded Dhoni’s leadership skills by saying that the next generation can learn from him how to handle themselves on and off the field.
"We all know about Dhoni's exceptional leadership skills, the scene and the aura he created over the period of time and the great brand ambassador for the next generation to follow. He has been an amazing idol for the next generation to pick up things from his own personality, the way he handled off the field at the same time, the way he handled on the field," Balaji said.
‘We will come back and win the IPL’
Balaji went on to say that Dhoni has remained constant over the years and hasn’t changed at all. He recalled Dhoni’s response after CSK lost the IPL 2008 final to Rajasthan Royals (RR). Balaji bowled the final over and CSK lost the game. Then, Dhoni assured him that they would bounce back and win the tournament in the IPL.
“He's been a greatest ambassador according to me, and he has not changed, not even one bit of change I've seen over the period of time. He remains the same person, like Badri said. He doesn't talk much and I still remember 2008 finals. I bowled the last over, we lost the game and he still said a few words only. Don't worry. We will come back and win the IPL. So that is MS Dhoni for you,” Balaji concluded.
Currently, MS Dhoni is playing in the IPL 2024 season and has scored 87 runs in seven matches, boasting a strike rate of 255.88.
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