Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has admitted that one of his biggest regrets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was losing his temper and stepping onto the field during a controversial match. MS Dhoni acknowledged the intense pressure associated with the game and the high expectations from players.
The incident occurred during the final over of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match in 2019. Ben Stokes attempted to deliver a slower ball, but it slipped from his hand, resulting in a waist-high full toss. The straight umpire initially signaled a no-ball, but the square-leg umpire overturned the decision, leading to Dhoni’s frustration.
That was a big mistake- MS Dhoni
Irritated by the call, Dhoni stormed onto the field, engaging in an animated discussion with the umpires. Speaking about this moment in an event hosted by Mastercard, Dhoni recalled being asked by Mandira Bedi if he had ever lost his cool on the field.
“A lot of times it has happened. During one of the IPL matches, I walked onto the field. That was a big mistake. Other than that also, there have been instances where something gets triggered because we play a sport where the stakes are very high. You’re supposed to win every game. That’s why I say when you’re angry or frustrated at something, keep your mouth shut and get away from it. Try taking deeper breaths because it is similar to handling pressure,” Dhoni stated.
Robin Uthappa on Dhoni’s Regret Over the Incident in IPL 2019 Controversy
In 2023, Robin Uthappa revealed Dhoni deeply regretted his reaction to that game.
“I spoke to him about that, actually. He said to me, ‘I just got out, and I was really upset. I came out and stood there. I saw the straight umpire putting his hand up for the no-ball. The straight umpire is the one who controls the game. He was like, “Once you have called a no-ball, you can’t take it back.” In the heat of the moment, he went inside the ground. He regrets it. He says, ‘I wish I didn’t do it’,” Uthappa shared on Jio Cinema.
CSK Retains Dhoni as Uncapped Player
Ahead of the IPL 2024 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings retained MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore. This was possible due to an IPL rule allowing Indian players who retired from international cricket for over five years to be classified as uncapped.
Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain a day before the IPL 2024 season, passing the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Unfortunately, under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs.
MS Dhoni Set for His 18th IPL Season
Despite stepping down as captain, Dhoni remains a key player for CSK. The legendary cricketer has already started training and joined the CSK camp well before the tournament begins. The five-time IPL champions, CSK, will kick off their IPL campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 23. Fans eagerly await to see Dhoni back in action for his 18th IPL season.