Former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has shared a fascinating anecdote from the Indian Premier League's 2018 season, revealing a piece of strategic advice from captain MS Dhoni that left him astonished. This moment, highlighting Dhoni's unique captaincy and man-management, came during CSK's celebrated return to the tournament after serving a two-year suspension.
The Priceless Advice on the Field
Recounting the incident on the 'Beard Before Wicket' podcast, Bravo described the scene from the 2018 season. Then 34 years old, Bravo attempted a diving stop while fielding at long-on. After the over, Dhoni, who was keeping wickets, called him into the inner circle. As he walked past, the legendary skipper delivered a clear instruction: "Don't ever dive on my cricket field again. Your four overs are more important than saving four runs."
Bravo's reaction was one of pure surprise. "When he said that, I was like, 'Wow'," the West Indian star admitted. He explained that this directive led to him fielding more inside the circle afterwards. This incident perfectly encapsulated Dhoni's philosophy of utilizing players for their core strengths. "He knows what you're good at, and he wants you for that reason. He doesn't want you to try to do anything or be anybody else," Bravo elaborated.
A Bond Built on Instant Trust
Bravo also traced the roots of his exceptional on-field rapport with Dhoni back to their very first interaction. During his initial over for CSK, Dhoni inquired about his preferred field placement. Bravo insisted on his own setup, saying, "No, no, it's okay, this is what I want." That moment of self-assuredness, according to Bravo, established immediate trust. "I think after that moment, he never told me anything about field placement again," he said.
This mutual respect and understanding blossomed into a deep personal connection, with the duo often referring to each other as "brother from a different mother." Bravo credited Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming for creating an environment where individuality thrives. "They allow everybody to be themselves. They allow everybody to bring their own different style and unique character, and for me, they just allow me to be me," he stated.
The CSK Culture of Consistency
Bravo, who took 154 wickets for CSK across 10 seasons before moving into a coaching role and later joining Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor, emphasized the franchise's unique stability. He pointed out that the leadership's consistent demeanor, irrespective of individual or team performance, is a key ingredient for success.
"They're not judgmental. Their moods don't change. Whether you perform today or don't perform, whether the team is performing well or not performing well, they're very consistent with how they treat you," Bravo observed. He concluded that this unwavering approach is the cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings' celebrated culture, a culture meticulously built by the duo of MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming.
