Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka recently showered praise on legendary skipper MS Dhoni’s exceptional leadership and off-field activities. Sanjiv Goenka said that MS Dhoni can groom young talents into match-winners, citing the example of Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana.
Dhoni was retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 4 crores as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 season. He is one of the most admired cricketers in India and is highly respected by fans and IPL team owners alike. Dhoni guided the Super Kings to five titles in IPL history.
I Have Never Seen A Leader Like Him – Sanjiv Goenka
Speaking on the Ranveer Allahbadia Podcast, Sanjiv Goenka said that MS Dhoni can reinvent himself even at his age. Goenka highlighted Dhoni’s role in grooming young players like Pathirana into match-winners by utilizing their potential effectively.
“You look at MS Dhoni, I have never seen a leader like him. His thinking and way of approach, how a person at his age can reinvent himself. Look at Pathirana, he is a young bowler, Dhoni groomed him to be a lethal matchwinner. He knows how to use his players when and he thinks accordingly,” Sanjiv Goenka said.
I Get To Learn Something – Sanjiv Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka recounted an incident where MS Dhoni spent 30 minutes answering cricket-related questions from his grandson. Goenka said the human touch is a key reason for Dhoni’s immense fan base in India. He stated that stadiums turn yellow in support of Dhoni even during matches in Lucknow.
“Whenever I interact with him, I get to learn something. It was during the Lucknow vs Chennai match. I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions and I told my grandson ‘Leave him now’. Dhoni replied ‘Let it be, I am enjoying this conversation’.
“Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others and that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him,” Goenka stated.
MS Dhoni Has Not Spoken A Word And Will Not – Sanjiv Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka said that MS Dhoni has not spoken a word after being removed from the captaincy of Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG). Goenka added that it’s a private matter and was resolved through mutual communication between two individuals.
“He has not spoken a word and will not. And it’s a private relationship. It’s a communication that was between two individuals, and two individuals concluded. And that was that. What is important is, that this relationship is still very good,” Goenka said.
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