NEW DELHI: West Indies legend and former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has opened up on his deep bond with MS Dhoni, recalling how the former India captain managed players with clarity, trust, and simplicity during their IPL days together.
Speaking on a podcast, Bravo shared a few memorable moments that highlighted Dhoni’s leadership style and why it left a lasting impact on him.
“Then in 2018, when we came back after the ban, I dived for a ball while fielding at long on. Obviously, I was older then, 34. He called me into the ring, and after the over, as he walked past, he said to me, ‘Do not ever dive on my cricket field again. Your four overs are more important than saving four runs.’ When he said that, I was like, wow.”
Bravo explained that this conversation changed how he approached his role in the team and showed how clearly Dhoni defined expectations for his players.
“After that, I started fielding in the circle. That is the kind of thing he does. He knows what you are good at, and he wants you for that reason. He does not want you to try to do anything or be anybody else. This is what I want from you, this is your job, and I’m happy with this.”
He then went on to describe a key moment that strengthened the trust between him and Dhoni, especially around decision making on the field.
“In my first over, he asked me about my field. I told him what I wanted, and he was like, ‘Oh no, maybe…’ I said, ‘No, no, it’s okay, this is what I want.’”
That exchange proved to be a turning point in their relationship, according to Bravo, as Dhoni backed his judgement completely from that point onwards.
“After that moment, he never told me anything about field placement again. I felt he trusted me. From there on, we called each other brother from another mother. He just allowed me to be me.”
