“I told my grandson, ‘Leave him now’” - Franchise owner’s massive praise for MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025
Former Team India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni is not just a fan favorite but is also one of the most respected leaders among Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners. One such owner recently shared details of the veteran wicketkeeper's interaction with his grandson.
Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, the founder and chairman of RPSG Group and owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), disclosed that Dhoni taught his grandson to play cricket a few years ago. Goenka claimed that at one point, he asked his grandson to stop as he asked too many questions.
Goenka said on the 'TRS Podcast':
"Whenever I interact with him, I get to learn something. It was during the Lucknow vs Chennai match. I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions and I told my grandson ‘Leave him now’. Dhoni replied ‘Let it be, I am enjoying this conversation."
Goenka added that Dhoni spoke to his grandson for half an hour. Reserving massive praise for the 43-year-old, the LSG owner said:
"Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others and that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him."
It is worth mentioning that MS Dhoni was the captain of Sanjiv Goenka-owned Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) in 2016. It was one of the two teams that replaced CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for two seasons.
The Pune-based side won just five out of their 14 matches in 2016, finishing in the penultimate place in the standings. Following the dismal campaign, Australia's Steve Smith replaced Dhoni as the skipper.
"I have never seen a leader like him" - Sanjiv Goenka on MS Dhoni
In the same podcast, Dr Sanjiv Goenka hailed MS Dhoni's leadership. He seemed mightly impressed by the seasoned campaigner's ability to reinvent himself.
Goenka explained how Dhoni was vital to Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana's development. He remarked:
"You look at MS Dhoni, I have never seen a leader like him. His thinking and way of approach, how a person at his age can reinvent himself. Look at Pathirana, he is a young bowler, Dhoni groomed him to be a lethal matchwinner. He knows how to use his players when and he thinks accordingly."
MS Dhoni will be seen in action in the upcoming IPL 2025. The new IPL retention rules allowed CSK to retain their ex-captain as an uncapped player at ₹4 crore before the auction.