Former Captain Recounts Franchise’s Turbulent Journey, Inspires With Message of Perseverance
In a touching moment capturing the essence of resilience and determination, MS Dhoni, the iconic former captain of India and the cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared a heartfelt reflection on the franchise’s tumultuous journey.
As Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020 and is potentially in his final IPL season in 2024, passed on the captaincy to young Ruturaj Gaikwad, emotions ran high. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK clinched the IPL trophy a remarkable five times, with the most recent victory occurring in the 2023 season.
Despite the team’s illustrious history, CSK faced significant challenges along the way. In a resurfaced video circulating online, a visibly moved Dhoni can be seen reminiscing about the trying times when the franchise was barred from the IPL for two years (2016 and 2017) due to allegations of spot-fixing and betting.
“The two years that we were not part of IPL, our fans stood by us, and our fan base grew. That was a challenging period, and I believe I was waiting for the right moment for us to reunite as a franchise renowned for cricket,” Dhoni shared in a Twitter video, his voice tinged with emotion.
The video captures a vulnerable moment from the cricketing legend, reflecting on the franchise’s darkest phase. Despite the setback, Dhoni and his resilient squad bounced back, returning to the IPL arena in the 2018 season and swiftly reclaiming their status as one of the league’s most dominant and beloved franchises.
As Dhoni potentially approaches the twilight of his IPL career, his profound connection with CSK’s loyal fanbase remains palpable. Under Gaikwad’s stewardship, CSK made an impressive start to the 17th edition of the tournament, securing victories in their initial two matches before facing defeat against Delhi Capitals. The team now looks to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.
