“Don’t give me any advice until I ask you”: MS Dhoni’s first interaction with former Indian T20 League coach

MS Dhoni has been synonymous with the Chennai franchise in the Indian T20 League. He has been leading the team since the inaugural edition of the Indian T20 League in 2008. He led the team for 12 seasons before stepping down from the role just before the beginning of the 15^th edition this year.

Youngsters who have played under MSD have always talked about how he guides and mentors them. It is well known that he bonds well with all the squad members from players to support staff

Dhoni played for the Pune team for two years when Chennai was banned from the tournament in 2016. During the season while Dhoni was captaining the Pune team, the franchise hired a performance analyst coach in Prasanna Agoram. Prasanna came in with the experience of working with other Indian T20 League franchises and also the South African team. He has recently shared his experience of meeting the Indian stalwart for the first time.

Prasanna wrote – “When I had the opportunity to work with Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Pune in Indian T20 League 2016, the first day we met he said, ‘Let’s have a chat.’ We were in the Pune Stadium and he was about to put his pads on. He asked if he could get me a filter coffee. ‘Yes please, I replied. He called the guys there and gave a wink to get a filter coffee, and then continued chatting with me.”

“Look, I know you have a lot of experience in this field and that players like you, and the coach Stephen Fleming got you on board. It’s a pleasure to work with you, he said. Give all the info and strategies to the coach and the players. Get the strategy meetings done with the players along with the coach, but don’t expect me to be there and also don’t give me any advice until I ask you. But mark a copy on the email on all your communications with the coach and players.”- Prasanna added. This statement from the former coach reveals that MSD likes to keep it simple and trusts his guts on the field rather than confusing himself with unwanted details.