Ahead of the highly anticipated Qualifier 1 match between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Gujarat Titans, skipper Hardik Pandya expressed his admiration for the talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pandya debunked the myth that Dhoni is a serious person and emphasized that one needs to be a “proper devil” to harbor any grudges against the iconic cricketer, who is likely playing his last Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
In a video shared by the Gujarat Titans on social media, Pandya spoke highly of Dhoni, stating, “I’ll always be a Mahendra Singh Dhoni fan and for so many fans out there and so many cricket lovers. You need to be a proper devil to hate Mahendra Singh Dhoni.” He highlighted the immense respect and adoration that Dhoni commands among players and fans alike.
As CSK aims to secure their fifth IPL title after a disappointing performance in the previous season, the attention has once again turned towards Dhoni. The turnaround in his form and leadership has been remarkable, and the team, with the inclusion of players like Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ajinkya Rahane, has once again emerged as a strong contender for the championship.
Pandya revealed that he has learned a great deal from Dhoni, not by picking his brains but by simply observing him in action. Contrary to popular belief, Pandya emphasized that Dhoni is not a serious individual. He mentioned that he shares a comfortable camaraderie with Dhoni, viewing him as a friend and brother with whom he can joke around and enjoy light-hearted moments.
The Gujarat Titans, on their social media platforms, also paid tribute to Dhoni, referring to him as a “Captain. Leader. Legend.” They described him as an emotion, highlighting the profound impact he has had on the game and the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
As the CSK and the Gujarat Titans face off in Qualifier 1, admiration and respect for Dhoni are evident among players and fans alike. His contribution to Indian cricket, both as a player and a leader, has been immense, and his influence on the sport will be remembered for years to come.
