In New Delhi, Michael Hussey, Chennai Super Kings' batting coach, who once worked alongside MS Dhoni, believes that Dhoni's greatest strength lies not just in experience, but in his continuous pursuit of improvement.
At 44, Dhoni continues to defy time, not just through his presence, but through his relentless desire to evolve, a trait that remains central to CSK's culture. Even after years of success and a return from a competitive break, Dhoni remains deeply committed to refining his game, engaging in detailed conversations, exploring subtle technical adjustments, and constantly seeking marginal gains.
Hussey highlighted that this unique combination of instinct and curiosity is what sets Dhoni apart in a league increasingly dominated by young players and power hitters.
"He knows his game so well. So we don't need to have many conversations. But one thing I've really admired about MS over the years, and probably contributes to his longevity, is that he's always looking to improve or just refine his game a little bit. And the conversations we've been having are mainly about these small adjustments.
"Whether it's a slight change in footwork or a small adjustment to the swing. But he has a great feel for the game. So it's mostly just about him exploring different ideas. But I think deep down he knows the best approach most of the time. So it's great to work with him, and he's been a legendary player for so long," Hussey said in a video shared by the franchise.
Hussey, who has seamlessly transitioned from a decorated player to a key member of CSK's coaching team, expressed his enthusiasm for his current role, particularly the opportunity to nurture emerging talent.
"I really enjoy it. It's a fantastic experience to work with different players from all over the world, whether they're from West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, or of course, many Indians. I'm particularly enjoying this year, because we have some younger players who are new to the team, still developing, so it's exciting to work with them, talk to them about their approach to the game, and help them improve, not just for this season, but hopefully for their entire careers," Hussey said.
This season marks a subtle shift in CSK's traditional approach, from a core of experienced campaigners to a more dynamic mix featuring youth and power.
Hussey highlighted the refreshing attitude of younger players like Karthik Sharma and Ayush Mathre, noting their ability to embrace the IPL stage without intimidation.
"I'm really impressed with their fearless approach to the game. They're not intimidated by the pressure of the IPL, the large crowds, or the quality of the bowlers. They're excited to get out there and play," Hussey stated.
At the same time, he acknowledged the practical challenges of integrating a diverse group.
"Sometimes, the language barrier can be a challenge, so we need to speak slowly or sometimes need someone to translate our conversations to ensure everyone understands," he added.
However, what Hussey finds most exciting is the balance within the squad, pairing youth with experience across the batting order.
"I'm really looking forward to this. What I find exciting about this batting order is that we have a good blend of experience and youth. So, yeah, it's going to be exciting for the future. But also, I feel that having experienced players like Rutu, Sanju Samson, Dubey, and of course, some overseas players like Abrevis, will also help these younger players. We can have experienced players alongside young players, and I think that will help them develop," he mentioned.
As T20 cricket continues to evolve into a high-scoring spectacle, Hussey made it clear that CSK's approach remains grounded in clarity rather than chasing arbitrary targets.
"We don't want to set any specific targets or limitations on what they should aim for, because I think that can sometimes cloud their minds. For me, it's about helping them adapt to the situation and the conditions. What does the team need now? And then they can use their skills accordingly. They've been playing aggressively since they were young, so they have the natural ability to do so. So it's more about helping them understand the game and react to it," Hussey said.
Instead, the emphasis is on situational awareness, blending aggression with game sense.
"But then it's about figuring out what the situation requires. There might be times when we need to go all out and try to score as many runs as possible, but there might be times when we need to be more strategic and just play a good, solid innings. Or if the pitch isn't as flat as other pitches, we need to adapt. So it's about learning to adapt and having the power game as well.
"But I don't want to put too much pressure on them in terms of numbers and targets, because most players play their best when they're clear-minded and can react to what's happening in front of them. So if we put too much pressure on them, it can affect their performance," he noted.