Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as “Captain Cool,” is admired for his calm demeanor on the field. It’s rare to see him lose his temper, but sometimes even the most composed leaders can have their moments. An interesting revelation from Mohit Sharma, Dhoni’s teammate from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has shed light on one such moment during the 2019 IPL season. Mohit shared this amusing incident involving Dhoni and Deepak Chahar on a podcast called 2 Sloggers, revealing how Chahar earned himself a rare scolding from the CSK captain.
The Incident That Got Dhoni Angry
During a hot and challenging match in Chennai in the 2019 IPL season, Deepak Chahar bowled a knuckle ball that got hit for a boundary. Dhoni, aware of the tough conditions and the difficulty in controlling such deliveries, advised Chahar not to repeat the same ball. Despite the warning, Chahar attempted the same knuckle ball just two or three deliveries later, and this time too, it didn’t work in his favor.
Frustrated by Chahar’s disregard for his advice, Dhoni stormed towards him. But instead of berating him directly, Dhoni made a humorous statement that left everyone stunned. He put his arm around Chahar and said, “You are not the fool, I am the fool.” Chahar himself revealed this after the match, acknowledging that he had earned the brunt of Dhoni’s anger for not listening.
Dhoni’s Balance of Tough Love and Understanding
Mohit Sharma, who witnessed the entire incident, revealed that Dhoni doesn’t hesitate to scold his players during a match when needed. However, what makes Dhoni stand out as a leader is his ability to leave his frustrations on the field. According to Mohit, Dhoni never carries his anger off the pitch and is quick to explain things calmly after the game ends. Despite the occasional scolding, Dhoni remains a guiding force for his teammates, offering constructive criticism rather than lingering frustration.
Deepak Chahar’s Journey with Dhoni: From Rookie to Star
Deepak Chahar’s relationship with Dhoni dates back to the 2016 and 2017 seasons when both played for the Rising Pune Supergiants during CSK’s temporary suspension from IPL. However, it was in 2018, when CSK made a comeback, that Dhoni truly gave Chahar the platform to shine. As a swing bowler, Chahar thrived under Dhoni’s leadership, earning recognition for his abilities in the powerplay overs.
More than just guiding him on the field, Dhoni also played a part in Chahar’s financial success. From 2018 to 2021, Chahar’s annual salary with CSK was ₹80 lakh. But in 2022, his loyalty and growing skills were rewarded when CSK retained him for a whopping ₹14 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the franchise.
Dhoni’s Rare Scoldings: A Testament to His Leadership
Though known for his calm and composed nature, Dhoni’s rare moments of frustration—like the one with Chahar—highlight the high standards he sets for his team. These moments are a reminder that even the coolest captain demands accountability and discipline, but always with a dose of humor and humility.
