KL Rahul, the Indian cricketer, recently opened up about his early experiences playing under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Rahul disclosed the crucial lessons he learned and the key factors that contributed to Dhoni’s remarkable success as a leader.
Dhoni, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest captains, holds the distinction of being the only skipper to have lifted all ICC trophies – the ODI and T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and the Test Mace. Known for his calm and composed demeanor, Dhoni has been a guiding force for both the Indian national team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rahul, who made his international debut under Dhoni’s captaincy, emphasized the importance of starting his career with the 41-year-old as his leader. He highlighted the lessons he learned from Dhoni, particularly the significance of building strong relationships with teammates. Rahul stressed that creating a bond where players fight together is crucial for success.
Expressing his admiration for Dhoni, Rahul revealed that the former captain’s presence and greatness became even more apparent after his retirement. He described Dhoni as a simple and balanced individual, both on and off the field.
One key piece of advice that Dhoni shared with Rahul on multiple occasions was to trust his gut as a captain. Dhoni’s unorthodox approach and unwavering belief in his instincts were pivotal to his success. Rahul acknowledged that this often puzzled people, but it ultimately yielded positive results.
Currently, Dhoni’s CSK is performing well in the IPL, occupying the second position in the table and aiming for a spot in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Rahul had to withdraw from the IPL due to a hamstring injury and will also miss the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia.