"Usko lagta hain humne dadhi dhoop mein safed ki hain" - MS Dhoni recalls incident when he was miffed at Deepak Chahar
Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni recently recalled an incident during the Indian Premier League (IPL) a few years back, which resulted in him getting very angry at pacer Deepak Chahar. Dhoni recalled that Chahar often complained about never getting a chance to bowl at the death and how the pacer messed up things when he was given an opportunity.
The incident in question occurred in IPL 2019 during a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab). Pacer Mohit Sharma had also narrated details of the story during one of his recent interviews.
At an event organized by RIGI, Dhoni was asked about what exactly transpired between him and the CSK pacer. The cricket legend went on to narrate his side of the story in detail. He said:
“This happened a few years back. He has always been an excellent cricketer for us. But he always complained against me saying that I never use him in the death overs. I asked him, 'When you are bowling so well in the powerplay and are taking wickets, then why do you want to bowl in the death?' On 90 percent of the matches we used to bowl him with the new ball and use another bowler in the death."
In a game against Punjab in IPL 2019, Dhoni decided to bowl Chahar at the death. The then CSK skipper gave him the ball, with the opposition needing 39 off 12 deliveries. The right-arm pacer, however, ended up bowling back-to-back no balls, which did not please Dhoni one bit.
Elaborating on the incident, the veteran stumper stated that he had advised Chahar not to bowl the knuckleball since he sweats a lot, but the bowler did not pay heed to his advice.
“Now he sweats a lot. And he also loves to use variations a lot. He is an intelligent bowler. So I advised him against bowling the knuckleball because he sweats a lot, but he thinks he knows everything. He had to try that. Usko lagta hain humne dadhi dhoop mein safed ki hain (He thinks my beard turned grey by staying in the sun). That led to no balls," Dhoni said.
"Then I went to him, I can't say the exact words, but I told him I didn't want to see all the deliveries in your arsenal. After a lot of thinking, I repeatedly told him to bowl that, but he still did. But at the end of the day, he understood. We all make mistakes and learning from those is important,” he added, concluding the tale.
Chahar has represented CSK in 76 matches and has picked up 76 scalps at an average of 27.71 and an economy rate of 7.91. He has two four-fers to his credit.
MS Dhoni indirectly confirms availability for IPL 2025
During the event, which was held in Goa, the former India captain indirectly confirmed his availability for the IPL 2025 season. Speaking about his plans, the 43-year-old commented:
"I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I'm able to play."
As per reports, October 31 is the deadline for all 10 IPL franchises to submit their retention list. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had earlier stated that they would retain Dhoni once he confirms his availability for IPL 2025.