IPL 2023: I know MS Dhoni can never take me on the wrong path, says Tushar Deshpande

Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Tushar Deshpande said he knows MS Dhoni will never take him on the wrong path. Deshpande flowered under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in IPL 2023 and he was able to deliver the goods for the eventual champions.

Deshpande scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 26.85 and an economy rate of 9.92 in the 16th edition of the tournament. Ergo, he finished as the leading wicket-taker for CSK in the competition and played a key role in the success of the team.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is well known to get the best out of the young players and he guided Tushar Deshpande on the right path. CSK were under the pump after Deepak Chahar and Sisanda Magala were ruled out of the tournament due to their respective injuries.

“You know you have someone who will guide and show the light when things are not going in our favour. He is a selfless guy and keeps things simple. He doesn’t complicate things and will be with you in your bad times. Like a soldier, I will just follow whatever he says. I know he can never take me on a wrong path,” said Deshpande in an interview with Indian Express.

The 28-year-old added Dhoni is crystal clear in his plans and gives freedom to his bowlers to bowl according to their strengths.

“Dhoni plans are very clear that this is what you need to do and then one has to execute. He will give freedom as well and when needed he will put a word. He told me that I have everything to play at the top, just be calm, take a deep breath,” Deshpande added.

The Mumbai bowler revealed he received backing from MS Dhoni despite not bowling well in one of the matches.

“Once I didn’t bowl well, he (MS Dhoni) came and said that with the new impact rule, 200 plus score is the new normal and he told me don’t worry about my place. He gave the surety which is what (young) players want,” said Deshpande.

Dhoni was once again spot-on as a leader and got the best out of the players to take CSK to their fifth title in the IPL.