“Being MS Dhoni Is Not Easy” – CSK All-Rounder’s Big Statement on Legendary Captain

MS Dhoni has inspired billions of fans throughout his career, and his popularity continues to grow every year as he shines in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his unmatched charm. Over the years, he has proven himself to be not only a brilliant wicketkeeper and batter but also one of the most successful captains in cricket, winning more ICC trophies than any other Indian captain.

His leadership style and ability to get the best out of his players have earned him huge respect. Shreyas Gopal, who now captains the Mangalore Dragons in the Maharaja Trophy 2025, praised Dhoni for these qualities. The leg-spinner was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in this year’s IPL and had the chance to share the dressing room with the legendary Dhoni.

The 31-year-old said that it is very hard to be like MS Dhoni. He praised Dhoni for staying humble even after so much success. Gopal also shared that he learned captaincy, finishing skills, and many other qualities from the former India captain.

Gopal said, “Being MS Dhoni is not easy at all. Many people think it’s simple, but it’s really very tough. Yes, he gets a lot of fame and love from fans, but what makes him special is how grounded, humble, caring, and empathetic he is. People often forget that he is also a human being who enjoys living a simple life and doing basic things—that is what makes him truly great.”

He further added, “The biggest thing I’ve learned from Dhoni is how he manages players, how he decides who should bowl in a particular over, and how he uses tactics during a tournament. No one does it better than him. Everyone knows he is the best when it comes to captaincy, finishing matches, and handling stardom. Watching him and learning from him has been a big experience for me.”

“The More Dhoni Plays, the More Cricket Gains – Gopal”

Although Gopal didn’t play any matches for CSK in IPL 2025, he doesn’t want to leave the team before next season. He said he wants to spend as much time as possible with Dhoni, believing that learning from the legendary player could help him grow and improve as a cricketer.

“Playing with Dhoni was a dream for many of us, maybe even billions. I got the chance last year, and I hope to continue playing with him for a few more years. The more he plays, the better it is for cricket. The advice and guidance we get from him in the dressing room are priceless. I feel very lucky to play for CSK and to play alongside and under Dhoni,” he said.