IPL 2023: Raina shares 13-year-old incident about Captian Dhoni

Never seen Captain Cool Dhoni so angry – Raina shares 13-year-old incident

The highly anticipated 2023 IPL season is set to kick off on March 31st with a thrilling match between former champions, Chennai Super Kings, and defending champions, Gujarat. After a disappointing 9th place finish last year, Chennai Super Kings are determined to bounce back and claim their 5th trophy.

Led by the legendary MS Dhoni, who at 41 years old has announced that this will be his final season, the team is poised to leave it all on the field. Fans are eagerly anticipating the final match of Dhoni’s illustrious career, which will take place at the iconic Chepauk Cricket Stadium in Chennai. With the stage set for an unforgettable season, cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly counting down the days until the first ball is bowled.

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been a prominent figure in the Chennai team, leading them to the playoffs in most of the series and securing four trophies. He is currently the second most successful captain in the IPL.

Dhoni is renowned for his calm and composed demeanor, earning him the nickname “Captain Cool.” He has demonstrated his ability to handle any situation with ease, even in the face of defeat. This quality has been evident not only in the IPL but also during his tenure as captain of the Indian cricket team.

Reflecting on Raina:

Despite his composed demeanor, Sadhu Mirandal occasionally struggles to control his emotions, resulting in outbursts of intense anger. This was particularly evident during the 2019 IPL series against Rajasthan, when he stormed onto the field to confront the umpires for failing to award a no-ball. In a fit of frustration, he even exclaimed “Dhoni this” and demanded justice.

Furthermore, during the 2010 IPL series at Dharamsala, a pivotal moment occurred when Chennai needed 16 runs in the last three balls. In a display of sheer determination and skill, Dhoni hit himself with his helmet and proceeded to hit four consecutive fours against Irfan Pathan, securing Chennai’s spot in the semi-finals. This moment is undoubtedly one of the most memorable instances of Dhoni’s career, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory. It is worth noting that Dhoni’s anger has been known to fuel his performance, and this particular incident serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for the game.

In this particular instance, Suresh Raina, who had the privilege of playing alongside Dhoni for over a decade in both international and IPL matches, revealed that he had never witnessed Dhoni display such intense anger as he did on that fateful day. Despite this, Dhoni played a pivotal role in securing Chennai’s triumph by scoring an impressive 46 runs in just 27 balls. Raina shared his thoughts on this memorable match during an interview on the Jio Cinema channel.

At the time, I happened to be in the dressing room. Dhoni, who had just hit a six in the last over of the IPL match, was so frustrated that he hit himself with his helmet at an incredible speed. It was a rare sight, as I had never seen him display such anger before, not even during net practice or when there was a fight. However, it was clear that this moment meant something significant to him.

For the rest of us, it was a valuable lesson in how to rally your team during stressful situations and emerge victorious. It was a reminder that even the most composed and level-headed individuals can be pushed to their limits. Dhoni’s outburst served as a wake-up call for us all, and we were able to learn from his example and apply it to our own lives.

Chennai emerged victorious in the tournament and proceeded to defeat the defending champions, Deccan Chargers, in the semi-finals. They clinched the maiden trophy by defeating Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai in the grand final, with the consecutive sixes being the main reason for their triumph. It is worth noting that Dhoni’s exuberant celebration may have been a result of him experiencing the sheer beauty of the moment.