Renowned cricket analyst and former Chennai Super Kings player has sparked debate by challenging the prowess of Pakistan’s pace attack. In his critique, he mentioned prominent names such as Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, suggesting that they may not exemplify the elite standards typically associated with top-tier international fast bowlers.
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26.03.2025
### Revisiting a Tactical Masterstroke: R Ashwin Reflects on MS Dhoni’s Strategy in IPL 2010
Renowned former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his immense appreciation for MS Dhoni, the erstwhile captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for his instrumental role in reinstating Ashwin to the esteemed five-time IPL champions.
Functioning as a centerpiece of the event, Ashwin spoke at the launch of *Leo: The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings*, authored by senior advocate and former Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) vice-president, PS Raman. The event, held on a Sunday, was graced by the presence of MS Dhoni and former CSK luminaries from the coaching realm, Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey. Ashwin’s contribution to the game was celebrated by Kris Srikkanth, the former Indian batsman, during the occasion.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Ashwin recounted a pivotal moment following the 2009 IPL season in South Africa. Dhoni, then serving as CSK’s captain, anticipated Ashwin’s potential role for the forthcoming season, intimating this via a Facebook message. Ashwin faced challenges initially, including a brief loss of form and Dhoni’s injury which altered his path temporarily. Upon their return, Ashwin’s new-ball bowling initiation against the Mumbai Indians (MI), in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, was a testament to Dhoni’s tactical foresight. Dhoni’s minimalistic directive led Ashwin to dismiss the formidable Kieron Pollard under fortuitous circumstances, with a distinctive catch completion by Thilan Thushara and Murali Vijay.
Acknowledging the influence of fortune in his career, Ashwin shared that he had desired Dhoni’s presence at Dharamsala during his 100th Test against England the preceding year, intending it as his culminating match. “MS Dhoni’s absence was more than compensated by his gesture of welcoming me back, a gift I truly cherish,” expressed Ashwin.
Furthermore, Srikkanth lauded Dhoni’s vision for recognizing Ashwin’s prowess, cultivating him into a versatile bowler who excelled across all cricket formats. The evolution from a promising Tamil Nadu cricketer to an illustrious Test player with over 500 wickets is a narrative steeped in Dhoni’s mentorship. Srikkanth humorously noted Ashwin’s prowess against antagonists like Chris Gayle, underscoring his all-round abilities.
The CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, recollected Ashwin’s early days in the Tamil Nadu cricket circuit and the deep-rooted camaraderie formed during the 2009 IPL in South Africa.
As Chennai Super Kings gear up for their campaign opener at their emblematic Chepauk Stadium, confronting long-standing rivals Mumbai Indians on March 23, anticipation mounts for Ashwin’s homecoming to the Chennai fold ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
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