M.S. Dhoni’s influence on Chennai Super Kings has been far more than just developing an IPL team, and his approach far more holistic than focusing simply on cricket. Dhoni has always been a player who has worked to his rhythm, and as time passed, the tendency to assess the opposition for weaknesses has become more pronounced.
This is Dhoni 3.0. His teammates have compensated for his almost total lack of time at the crease with the bat, but it also means the opposition has to adjust; he is not where he once used to be, batting at four or five, often barely involved in attacks until suddenly, lethally, he is.