Ravichandran Ashwin, one of cricket’s premier spinners and an icon in Indian cricket, began his IPL journey under the captaincy of MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings. Over the years, Ashwin evolved into a key player for both CSK and the Indian Test team, benefiting significantly from Dhoni’s mentorship. Despite seeking advice from Dhoni for nearly 15 years, Ashwin consistently received the same guidance: to stay innovative and “funky” in his approach.
Reflecting on their early days together, Ashwin recalled that Dhoni might not have noticed him initially, but under Dhoni’s leadership, he thrived as a powerplay bowler at CSK.
“In the first year, Dhoni probably didn’t even know I existed. That’s just how Dhoni is. I’ve observed him closely from 2008-09 to 2024, and his approach hasn’t changed. I remember a game in 2010 at Eden Gardens where he got injured, and I ended up taking a wicket. Suresh Raina captained in his absence, and our strategies were slightly different,” Ashwin explained.
“But when Dhoni returned, he immediately reinstated me in my role. He trusted me with the new ball and used me strategically, even inside the Powerplay, against players like Adam Gilchrist, which boosted my confidence. He kept things simple and believed in me,” Ashwin added.
Throughout their association, Dhoni consistently encouraged Ashwin to experiment and innovate with his bowling. Even at 37 years old, Ashwin continues to introduce new variations to his bowling repertoire, maintaining his effectiveness against opponents.
“Dhoni always emphasized my strength in trying new things, staying funky. I remember meeting him in Dubai after a Delhi vs. CSK game, and I asked for his feedback on my backspin. He reminded me that my ability to innovate had always been my strength. He encouraged me to keep evolving and expressing myself on the field,” Ashwin recalled.
“It’s not just about cricket with Dhoni; he sees the mental aspect too. He has a knack for identifying players’ strengths and roles, as he did with Tushar Deshpande at CSK. His ability to nurture talent and fit them into the team’s dynamics is remarkable,” Ashwin concluded.
