Mahendra Singh Dhoni, widely revered as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, boasts an enormous fanbase across India and beyond. His followers are always keen to learn more about his life on and off the field. In a recent podcast episode, Mohit Sharma, an accomplished cricketer who has shared the field with Dhoni at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recounted an intriguing incident involving Dhoni and his teammate Deepak Chahar during an IPL match.
The Incident Between Dhoni and Chahar
On the 2 Sloggers podcast, Mohit shared that Dhoni has a unique way of handling discipline. He recalled a specific match from the 2019 IPL season where Deepak Chahar faced some stern words from Dhoni. During a particularly sweltering day in Chennai, Chahar attempted to throw a knuckleball, which unfortunately went for a boundary. Dhoni, concerned about the heat affecting the control of the ball, advised Chahar against using that delivery. However, Deepak, undeterred, threw the same ball just a few deliveries later.
This decision infuriated Dhoni, who rushed toward Chahar, placing his hand on his shoulder. With a blend of frustration and calmness, he declared, “You are not the idiot; I am the idiot.” Deepak later recounted this moment, highlighting the dynamic of respect and learning that characterized his relationship with Dhoni.
Understanding Dhoni’s Temperament
While fans often associate Dhoni with the nickname “Captain Cool,” Mohit brought forth an interesting perspective. He explained that, contrary to popular belief, Dhoni does exhibit anger, particularly in high-stakes situations on the pitch. Mohit himself has faced Dhoni’s ire on multiple occasions. However, what sets Dhoni apart is his ability to compartmentalize his emotions; once the match concludes, he returns to being a mentor rather than a disciplinarian, often providing constructive feedback to his players.
Chahar’s Financial Growth Under Dhoni’s Guidance
Deepak Chahar’s journey in cricket has been significantly influenced by Dhoni. Both players started their association in 2016 and 2017 when they played for the Rising Pune Supergiants. Following the return of CSK in 2018, Dhoni recognized Chahar’s potential and brought him on board. This partnership allowed Chahar to showcase his exceptional swing bowling skills early in the innings, garnering much attention.
Beyond performance, this alliance has been financially rewarding for Chahar. From 2018 to 2021, he earned a steady salary of 80 lakhs per year from CSK. However, Chahar’s loyalty and consistent performance did not go unnoticed. In 2022, the franchise retained him with an impressive salary of 14 crores, a testament to his growth as a player and Dhoni’s faith in his abilities.
