IPL 2019 | Not just a player, MS Dhoni is an era of cricket, says Matthew Hayden

MS Dhoni’s record as captain for CSK is simply mind-boggling as the wicket-keeper batsman has helped his side make it to the finals on eight occasions so far. CSK have won the title thrice in their IPL career and will take on Mumbai Indians tonight to script history. With 414 runs in his basket at an exceptional average of just over 103, Dhoni is the highest run-scorer for CSK this season. Former Chennai Super Kings player and teammate Matthew Hayden has not only lauded Dhoni but also termed him as an "era of cricket". 

“You know Dhoni, he is not just a player, he is an era of cricket. In many ways I think MS is like the captain of the gully cricket team, he is one of us, he will do anything. You see how he warms up, he bowls his leg spinners, he catches, he asks players and people around the squad on how they are doing and he is so relaxed, I think we can all relate to him because we all have busy lives working around with friends and families and that’s a big commitment,” Hayden said, reported IANS. 

Hayden further emphasised on how Dhoni’s mental calmness make the ambience steady for others.

“So, someone like that at the helm will make you feel calm, will make you feel relaxed and that’s why Thala Dhoni that word ‘Thala’, obviously meaning the leader of Chennai, but mind you, it’s almost like a leader of a nation,” Hayden added.