Sanjiv Goenka opened up on the decision to sack MS Dhoni |Courtesy-BCCI
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sanjiv Goenka opened up on the decision to sack MS Dhoni
- Dhoni was removed from captaincy of the RPSG
- Dhoni played under Steve Smith's captaincy in 2017
While MS Dhoni's legacy in the IPL is defined by his legendary stint at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he has established himself as the most successful captain in the league's history alongside Rohit Sharma, the five-time IPL-winning captain also had a two-year stint with the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) in 2016 and 2017 which was marred by massive controversy.
Ahead of the franchise's second and final season, the Pune-based franchise left the cricketing world in shock by sacking MS Dhoni as captain. After finishing second last on the table in 2016, Steve Smith captained the team in 2017.
For those unversed, the owners of RPSG are the same ones which own the current team Lucknow Super Giants. Seven years after the decision that earned him a lot of criticism, Sanjiv Goenka opened up on the decision. The chairpersonof the RP-Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group claimed that he still shares a close relationship relationship with MS Dhoni.
"Whatever happened, happened with a clear dialogue. We share a very close and warm relationship. The decision can be correct or wrong; only time tells that, but was it logical or illogical? That is a point that matters. Why did you take the decision? That is the perspective. Every interaction with Mahi (MS Dhoni), I learn something. A few days ago we met somewhere; he was explaining to my son Shashwat that you can learn this and do this in your business," Goenka said on the THE RANVEER SHOW.
The decision almost paid off for RPSG as they reached the final in 2017 under Smith's captaincy where they lost a last-ball thriller by one run to the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Hyderabad.
Goenka was all praise for Dhoni and claimed he has never seen a leader like him while giving the example of CSK unearthing Matheesha Pathirana. The LSG owner recalled a tale of how Dhoni spent time with his grandson and spent half and hour with him.
"I've never seen a leader like MS Dhoni. His thinking, attitude and way of approach, it's crazy how even to this day he keeps reinventing himself even at this age and motivating his team. Just look at Pathirana (Matheesha), a baby bowler. Don't know where Dhoni saw him and now groomed him into a lethal match winner. He (Dhoni) knows when and how to use his players. Whenever I interact with him (Dhoni), I have learnt something," said Goenka.
"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," he added.
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