MS Dhoni's secret to staying cool: 'Like a tin roof ... '

NEW DELHI: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu recently recalled a lighthearted yet telling incident from his time with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Known for his competitive spirit, Rayudu admitted that he sometimes let his emotions get the better of him on the field — something Dhoni never failed to notice.“Sometimes, Mahi bhai would tell me, just like how a tin roof heats up quickly, I also tend to lose my cool quickly,” Rayudu said.

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Dhoni, who has built a reputation for his composure, would often caution his teammate about getting into unnecessary exchanges with umpires.“We would point out to the umpire that a delivery was wide or a no-ball, and he would always tell me, ‘Just focus on batting, don’t raise your hand. I don’t want to lose Fair Play points because of you,’” Rayudu said.However, in an ironic twist that year, it was Dhoni himself who momentarily set aside his trademark calm.Rayudu revealed that during a difficult match, when CSK were on the verge of losing, Dhoni walked onto the field to have a word with the officials.“Interestingly, that same year, he himself walked onto the field, not because of me, but because we were losing,” Rayudu said.

Dhoni’s legacy at CSK is one of the most remarkable stories in IPL history.

Since taking charge in the franchise’s inaugural season in 2008, Dhoni has transformed CSK into one of the most consistent and successful teams in T20 cricket. Under his leadership, the team has reached a record 10 IPL finals and clinched the title five times — in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.Dhoni has also guided CSK to two Champions League T20 titles (2010 and 2014).