‘MS Dhoni gets the basic…’, Ravichandran Ashwin reveals difference between former CSK skipper and other captains

Ravichandran Ashwin is set for a reunion with MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming IPL 2025 season after announcing his international retirement.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to unite with his first captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he gets ready for a homecoming to the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2025. Ashwin called time on his international career at the end of the third India vs Australia 2024 Test at the Gabba last week.

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder highlighted the unique quality that sets MS Dhoni apart as a captain, distinguishing him as one of the greatest in Indian cricket history. Dhoni, widely regarded as an iconic leader, retired after achieving every major trophy in the sport.

In 2007, Dhoni led a young Indian team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Four years later, he became the first captain since Kapil Dev in 1983 to guide India to an ODI World Cup triumph. In 2013, Dhoni showcased his unparalleled composure under pressure, steering India to an ICC Champions Trophy win despite overwhelming odds.

As Ashwin and Dhoni prepare to reunite at the Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025, Ashwin reflected on Dhoni’s mastery of the basics, which he believes sets him apart from other captains.

“It’s a very simple answer,” Ashwin explained on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. “He gets the basic things right. Many captains overlook these fundamental aspects, which makes the game harder for them.”

Pretty sure Ashwin will end up in the Sky Sports comm box one of these days. Till then this is an awe inspiring interview of him with Athers and Nass.

— cricBC (@cricBC) December 23, 2024

Ashwin shared an example of Dhoni’s leadership style, emphasizing the balance between giving bowlers freedom and holding them accountable. “He would never hand you the ball without setting expectations. The first thing he’d say is to set your field and bowl accordingly. But if you bowled a loose delivery to a new batter or got hit for a couple of boundaries, he would let you know immediately. That’s the essence of cricket—sticking to the basics,” Ashwin noted.

Ashwin also praised Dhoni’s knack for bringing out the best in players. He cited Tushar Deshpande’s standout performance in IPL 2023, where Dhoni led CSK to their fifth title. Deshpande claimed 21 wickets in 16 matches, becoming one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

“Dhoni’s approach is simple yet effective. Last year, he worked with Tushar and told him, ‘Get hit on the longer side of the boundary and give me two fewer runs than you did last year.’ This approach takes the pressure off the bowler and helps them focus on clear, achievable goals,” Ashwin said.

Dhoni’s record as a captain speaks for itself. In Tests, he led India in 60 matches, winning 27, losing 18, and drawing 15, with a win percentage of 45%. Under his leadership, India reached the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Rankings and achieved historic feats like whitewashing Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

In ODIs, Dhoni captained India in 200 matches, securing 110 wins with a win percentage of 55 per cent. He also led India to 41 victories in 74 T20Is, boasting a win percentage of 58.33 per cent. Dhoni’s leadership legacy remains unmatched, combining simplicity, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering focus on the fundamentals of cricket.