Dhoni's refusal to aid Shardul during fours onslaught: Harbhajan reveals untold story

Despite all of MS Dhoni's accomplishments as a batter, leader, and captain, it is surprising to learn that he did not always provide support to his bowlers when they were in trouble. A specific incident comes to mind where Dhoni demonstrated his tough love towards Shardul Thakur, a fast bowler, during a Chennai Super Kings match. Even after Thakur was being hit around the park by the opposing batter, Dhoni chose not to offer any words of encouragement or advice. This incident highlights a rare moment of Dhoni's uncharacteristic behavior towards his team members.

Shardul was with CSK for four IPL seasons in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, and Harbhajan for three. Hence, the incident he is referring to has to be between 2018 and 2020. According to Harbhajan, Dhoni always believed in being a supporting cast to the bowler, instead of taking over as the main lead. In other words, Dhoni wanted the bowlers to learn from the mistake themselves rather than him spoon-feeding them. Of course, when push came to shove, Dhoni went up and had a word, but hardly at the cost of self-learning.

"I remember a game we were playing for CSK. I was fielding at the short fine leg and MS Dhoni was keeping. Shardul Thakur was bowling and the first ball Kane Williamson hit him down the ground for a boundary. Next ball, same length and Williamson played the same shot. I went to MS and asked him to tell Shardul try and bowl different length," Harbhajan recalled in a chat with former India Under 19 batter Taruwar Kohli.

"MS said to me 'Paaji agar aaj bataunga na, yeh kabhi nahi seekhega (If I will tell him now, then he will never learn). Let him learn by himself'. His thought process was that when Shardul will get hit for boundaries, he will learn it quickly. That was MS Dhoni's way."

Harbhajan was Dhoni's India teammate for several years – 2004 to 2012 – and equally cherished sharing the dressing room with him at CSK. Having spent over a decade with the great man, Harbhajan outlines three characteristics of Dhoni that made CSK everyone's favourite team among all 10 IPL franchises. The Chennai franchise enjoys a cricket-crazy fanbase, most of which is derived from a mutual love for Dhoni. But even beyond the admiration and affection of the public, it's the little things Dhoni has implanted at CSK that make the franchise so beloved by fans and players alike, reckons Harbhajan.

"He is very calm, which is a huge deal. Secondly, he is very clear what he wants. And third, his own ability to win games reflects on the team as well. These are three very important things Dhoni does. Also, he ensures a great team environment is maintained. No one is treated like a biggie or a kid at the same time. What he has done matters. He is always prioritised team goals over individuals. I think that's what made CSK a special team. The dressing room – win or lose – remains the same. It's one of those very rare qualities. You don't feel like there's a match the next day, it is that relaxed. As long as you give your best, it's fine. Learn and move forward," he added.