"I will learn a lot from him this season" - Ajinkya Rahane on playing under MS Dhoni for CSK in IPL 2023

Senior batter Ajinkya Rahane is relishing the opportunity of playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023).

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter emphasized that he will get to learn a lot of things from the seasoned campaigner during his stint with the four-time champions.

Rahane, who himself has captained a franchise in the IPL previously, opined that he wouldn't give inputs to Dhoni. The right-handed batter highlighted that the CSK skipper has proved himself as a wonderful leader and manages the team in an exemplary fashion.

In a video posted by CSK on their official website, Ajinkya Rahane said:

"Coming here and playing under MS (Dhoni) again, for me, it's a very big thing. I am going to learn a lot from him for sure. But giving inputs to MS, I am not too sure about that."

"He is experienced, and we all know that he is the leader. He manages it really well. He understands the game really well. One thing I am sure about is that I will learn a lot from him this season," he added.

Rahane was signed by the team at his base price of ₹50 lakh at the IPL 2023 mini-auction. He has been a revelation for Chennai this season, impressing many with his batting exploits.

The veteran batter has mustered 266 from eight innings at an average of 38.00 at a staggering strike rate of 171.61.

"My first captain was MS Dhoni, and I learned a lot from him" - Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane recalled that MS Dhoni was his first-ever captain when he made his Team India debut. He suggested that he benefitted a lot by playing under the leadership of the two-time World Cup-winning skipper.

The 34-year-old also mentioned that whenever he captains a side, his prime focus is on managing each player differently, adding:

"My first captain was MS Dhoni, and I learned a lot from him, from his captaincy and leadership. When I was the captain, or whenever I led a team, for me, it was all about managing each and every individual differently. Because each individual has a different method and playing style. So for me, it's all about having a one-on-one conversation."

Elaborating on what he has learned from Dhoni, Rahane stated:

"One thing I have learnt from him is to work hard and focus on controllable things. And as MS always says, focusing on the process is more important rather than the result and outcome."

CSK grabs an easy win against DC to strengthen their top 4 claim 💪🏻

📸: IPL/JioCinema

#IPL2023 #CSKvsDC #crickettwitter https://t.co/3jLQ2HODzd

The MS Dhoni-led side are currently placed second in the IPL 2023 points table. They take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, May 14.