Former Indian World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth credited Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni for backing the players in the squad citing the example of Ajinkya Rahane, who made a brilliant comeback in the IPL 2023.

The 34-year-old has revamped himself in this edition of the Indian Premier League scoring at a quick pace for the CSK side. Rahane made his debut for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians and played an explosive knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls to help them win against the arch-rivals.

Speaking on Star Sports, Krishnamachari Srikkanth heaped a praise on MS Dhoni for his captaincy skills as the former Indian skipper backs their players to give them their best for the team and recalled the words of Rahane stating that MS Dhoni wanted him to enjoy the game.

“MS Dhoni trusts his teammates, and that is the reason he backs them to give their best. There are many such case studies, and the latest one is that of Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane himself admitted that Dhoni only asked him to enjoy his game. And then everyone knows what Rahane did after going in the field,” Srikkanth said.

Rahane scored 634 runs in seven Ranji games for Mumbai in the 2023 season, while in seven matches last season, he scored 133 runs. He was purchased for the base price of INR 50 lakhs by the Chennai-based side in the IPL auction 2023.

Chennai Super Kings Is Really Like Family – Ajinkya Rahane

Earlier, speaking to the media Ajinkya Rahane was delighted to play for the four-time champions. Chennai Super Kings is always known for backing their players, as many players credited the franchise for keeping the team as one big family.

“I was really happy when CSK picked me. How they treat every individual. Before this I had heard from many players, it is really like a family. I know now. I have played under Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) a lot of times in the Indian team, at CSK it was for the first time. I am enjoying: the atmosphere is the same whether we win or lose,” Ajinkya Rahane added.

Ajinkya Rahane, who was discarded from the Indian setup following his poor form, made an impact for the four-time champions straight away as he stunned everyone with his brilliant performance in the league having scored 138 runs from four matches at a whopping strike rate of 181.57 and will look to continue his form against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.