Haven’t seen MSD practise his keeping in 15 years at CSK: Hussey
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for many cricketers to showcase their skills and entertain the fans with their performances. One such cricketer who has been a consistent performer in the IPL is MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper. Dhoni has been an integral part of the CSK team for over a decade and has led the team to multiple championships. However, according to former Australian batter and CSK coach Michael Hussey, Dhoni’s practice routine is quite unique, especially when it comes to his wicket-keeping skills.
In a recent interview, Hussey revealed that he hasn’t seen Dhoni practice his keeping in his around 15 years with CSK as a player and coach. This might come as a surprise to many, given Dhoni’s exceptional wicket-keeping skills and his ability to affect dismissals behind the stumps. However, Hussey’s statement suggests that Dhoni’s keeping skills are more innate than practiced. “The only time I’ve seen him catch a ball was when we wanted to knock in a new pair of gloves,” Hussey recalled. This statement highlights Dhoni’s laid-back approach to practice, which is quite unusual for a professional cricketer.
On the other hand, Hussey praised Dhoni’s batting practice, saying, “He bats a long time…He hits thousands and thousands of balls.” This is a testament to Dhoni’s dedication to his batting craft, which has been one of the key factors in his success as a cricketer. Dhoni’s ability to spend long hours in the nets, honing his batting skills, has been well-documented, and it’s no surprise that he has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL over the years.
Hussey’s comments on Dhoni’s practice routine are not only interesting but also reveal the unique personality of the former Indian captain. Dhoni has always been known for his calm and composed demeanor, both on and off the field. His ability to remain relaxed and focused, even in high-pressure situations, has been one of the key factors in his success as a cricketer. It’s no surprise that he approaches practice with a similar mindset, focusing on his batting skills and leaving his keeping skills to instinct.
The CSK team has been a tight-knit unit over the years, with players and coaches forming strong bonds with each other. Hussey, who has been a part of the CSK coaching staff, has had a front-row seat to the team’s dynamics and has witnessed Dhoni’s leadership skills up close. According to Hussey, the CSK players often socialize in Dhoni’s room, where they engage in various activities, including watching movies and playing games. This camaraderie has been a key factor in the team’s success, as it helps to build a sense of unity and trust among the players.
In addition to Hussey’s comments on Dhoni’s practice routine, he also revealed some interesting insights into the team’s social dynamics. According to Hussey, some players in the team enjoy socializing and relaxing together, often in Dhoni’s room. “Some like Shisha, flavoured tobacco stuff,” Hussey said, highlighting the diverse interests and preferences of the players. This statement not only reveals the team’s social dynamics but also highlights the importance of relaxation and leisure activities in a high-pressure sport like cricket.
In conclusion, Michael Hussey’s comments on MS Dhoni’s practice routine offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most successful cricketers of all time. Dhoni’s unique approach to practice, which focuses on batting and leaves keeping to instinct, is a testament to his exceptional skills and experience. The CSK team’s social dynamics, which involve socializing and relaxing together, have been a key factor in the team’s success, and Hussey’s comments offer a valuable insight into the team’s camaraderie and unity.
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