One of the most famous cricket players who have ever played the beautiful game is MS Dhoni. At the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) games, young cricket players are frequently observed chatting with the previous captain of India in an attempt to learn from him and advance their talents.
A member of India’s Asia Cup team, Rinku Singh, remembers his first meeting with MS Dhoni at the 2020 Indian Premier League.
The southpaw disclosed that he met the Chennai Super Kings star with Kuldeep Yadav in tow. Rinku acknowledged that he was so overcome by Dhoni’s presence that he failed to remember anything the renowned wicketkeeper-batter had said.
“I’ll describe that scene to you. Following COVID, Dubai hosted the IPL event. These are big guys, Mahi bhai, and I was afraid after we lost to CSK in our final game. In what way should I greet them? I remarked to Kuldeep bhai, who had previously played with them, “Come with me, let’s talk a little about batting.” Rinku remembers when he appeared on Raj Shamani’s YouTube podcast.
I went, a little anxious, trying to think of anything to say about batting. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him as he continued to explain himself. I wasn’t paying attention to what he was saying. After that, the talk ended, and I completely forgot what he had said. After that, I did the interview that went viral. The problem was that I was only staring at Mahi bhai, thus I completely forgot whatever he had said me. It stuck in my head because I was speaking to such a major player for the first time. I had totally forgotten anything he had told me at that point,” he continued.
He used to bat at the same number, so occasionally we speak on the phone: Rinku
Rinku said that while he is batting in the final overs, he occasionally calls Dhoni to try to understand his attitude. According to the Uttar Pradesh batsman, Dhoni emphasises the value of maintaining composure and believing in oneself.
“We had spoken at the 2023 tournament. Because he used to bat at the same number, we occasionally speak on the phone. I then questioned him about his attitude and how he persevered through the final overs. He reiterated that it’s crucial to maintain total composure and self-belief throughout the last overs. It is difficult to strike because of the amount and the fact that you are facing elite bowlers. He used to say, “Just respond appropriately to whatever comes your way,” Rinku remarked.
Rinku has so far represented India in two ODIs and 33 T20Is. With a strike rate of 161.07 and an average of 42, he has an incredible record in the shortest format. This month, he will try to assist India in winning a record-tying eighth Asia Cup.