MS Dhoni’s Advice That Changed Rahul Tripathi’s IPL Journey-A Story of Patience and Determination

Cricket is a game of nerves, patience, and perseverance. For many young players, stepping into the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a dream come true but also a test of resilience. One such cricketer, Rahul Tripathi, recently recalled the invaluable advice he received from none other than the legendary MS Dhoni before making his IPL debut in 2017. As Tripathi gears up for the 18th edition of the IPL, where he will don the yellow jersey of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he looks back at how Dhoni’s words calmed his nerves and shaped his journey.

A Lesson in Simplicity by MS Dhoni

Prior to playing his IPL debut for the tenth season of the IPL, Tripathi played for the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) team, where he got to share the dressing room space with MS Dhoni. Two days prior to his first game, he was sitting with the former Indian captain firsthand, observing him as much as he could from his body language.

Dhoni, with his ability to remain calm even in the most tense situations, noticed the nervousness of Tripathi and requested him to talk to him. "He told me not to do anything unconventional and play my natural game since I was playing the same way while training also. If a player of that class gives you that kind of a tip, then it certainly raises your confidence by leaps and bounds. It actually worked really well with me and kept me calm to play even better," Tripathi shared on the House of Glory podcast.

This experience has left a permanent imprint on Tripathi. He understood one of the largest secrets of Dhoni's success was the simplicity of mind and approach to the game. "I feel blessed enough to have got the chance to spend time with him. Every player wishes to play with him, and I got to witness for myself how simple he keeps his mind and keeps things in shape," he further said.

A Long Road to India Colors

Tripathi’s IPL journey was only the beginning of a much longer and more challenging road to making his international debut. Despite performing consistently in domestic cricket and the IPL, he had to wait years before finally getting the opportunity to represent India. In January 2023, at the age of 31, he earned his maiden cap for India in a T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Recalling the emotional moment, Tripathi conceded that there were moments when he felt his nation's team desire slipping through his fingers. "There were difficult moments when it seemed like the chance was far away. But I never lost hopes. I simply kept working and hoping that my time would arrive soon when the fruits of my toil would be fruitful," he said.

Destiny had other plans for him, as his debut fell incidentally at his home venue in Pune, where he had spent years sweating blood. "Working hard for years and traveling, I finally got my opportunity, and it felt like everything was written. My debut in Pune was an emotional and special one," he shared.

The Role of Abhishek Nayar in Tripathi's Rise

While self-belief and patience played major roles in making Tripathi successful, the latter owes success to a larger extent to former Indian cricketer and batting coach Abhishek Nayar. Tripathi, while being coached by Nayar during Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp, attributes his role as a game-changer in his life.

"Abhishek Nayar is my elder brother, I consider him as that. Meeting him transformed my life. We were together for one year at BPCL, but for KKR, it was a different scenario. With Dinesh Karthik around too, I had that much more. I address him as 'Abhi Dada,' and I firmly believe that it was due to him that I was able to realize my dream of playing for India," Tripathi finished.

Nayar has been instrumental in shaping many cricketers’ careers, particularly those looking to make a comeback or refine their game. His mentorship played a crucial role in polishing Tripathi’s skills and strengthening his mental resolve to keep pushing forward.

A Fresh Chapter with Chennai Super Kings

While starting the new stint with the five-time titleholders, Chennai Super Kings, when the 18th season of the IPL is commencing on March 22, Tripathi is back to an organisation where MS Dhoni continues to be a motivating force. Here, he will look to transfer the learnings he has had through all the years.

From a nervous youngster in 2017 to a seasoned cricketer, Tripathi’s journey exemplifies resilience, hard work, and the power of mentorship. With Dhoni’s words still fresh in his mind, he is ready to embrace the new challenge and contribute to CSK’s success in the upcoming season.

His tale is inspiring to young cricketers, showing that perseverance, hard work, and excellent coaching can make dream become a reality. And for Rahul Tripathi, the best may yet be to come.