MS Dhoni effect: What Rishabh Pant learnt from former India captain about building bonds with teammates | Ipl News

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s influence over Indian cricket is well-known. Multiple cricketers have spoken out about how they have been inspired the boy who came from a small city like Ranchi and went on to become a colossus of Indian cricket.
Rishabh Pant — who will captain the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 — has now revealed how Dhoni has influenced his captaincy style.
While talking about his relationship with MS Dhoni with Jio Cinema, Pant said: “I am learning from him that one-on-one interactions are different from those on the phone. The transfer of energy is more important. You can’t build that connection on phone.”
Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni. (Instagram)
Pant’s comments came on a day that Dhoni relinquished CSK captaincy.
Pant started borrowing bats from Raina
Rishabh Pant also opened up about how former India cricketer Suresh Raina had consoled him after he got lost his wicket for 97 runs (off just 43 balls) against Gujarat Lions (GL) in the 2017 edition of IPL.
“Sanju (Samson) was at the crease when I came, and he asked me what the game plan was. I told him both of us should hit. But I felt sad at missing the 100. Raina bhai (from GL) came and told me not to worry about the missed ton. I would speak regularly with him and take bats from him. I was sad as it would have been my first IPL century. I don’t cry for landmarks, but don’t mind them if I achieve them,” said Pant.
Pant was speaking ahead of his comeback to cricket after a 14-month injury layoff.
On being asked what his emotions were for his return match against Punjab Kings on Saturday, Pant said: “I am nervous, I am excited. It’s a mixed feeling. So, I don’t want my mind to start straying in too many directions. I want to keep it simple.”
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Asked if he feels any pressure returning to DC, Pant said: “The first feeling is I am happy that I am alive. If you are not alive, how can you even think of anything else. So, it’s important to go with the flow and enjoy these moments.”
Pant also opened up about how he coped with the horrific injury that he suffered after the near-fatal car crash, Pant said: “When the journey is so long, you do get frustrated. With us, we are always looking for the destination. You should enjoy the journey.
“When you go out to practice, then how does the bat feel in your hand, while keeping, how does it feel to have the ball in your gloves. If we start enjoying these things, then you are surrounded positivity.”