MS Dhoni’s Legendary Advice to Deepak Chahar in 2019 IPL

During the 2019 IPL, MS Dhoni famously taught Deepak Chahar a memorable lesson in composure and leadership while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Chahar recently recounted the incident during Bigg Boss 19 family week, sharing how Dhoni’s words turned a tense moment into a turning point.

The Tense Death Over

CSK faced Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in a chase of 161 in Chennai. Punjab needed 39 runs off 12 balls when Chahar came on to bowl the penultimate over. Unfortunately, he struggled immediately, conceding eight runs without bowling a legal delivery. He bowled two waist-high no-balls to Sarfaraz Khan, who punished the errors with boundaries and quick singles.

“I was bowling in the death for the first time in that match. Sarfaraz Khan was batting. We had planned what to bowl to him. Sarfaraz plays the scoop shot. So if you bowl a slower ball to him, it is difficult to hit. So I bowled a leg-cutter outside the leg stump. My leg got stuck, and it was a full-toss. The match was tense. It was a no-ball and went for a boundary as well. I thought the plan was right, but the execution was wrong. So I bowled the same ball again, and it was a no-ball again,” Chahar explained.

Dhoni’s Famous Words

Chahar feared his death-over bowling career was over, but Dhoni approached him calmly. Expressing his frustration yet inspiring confidence, Dhoni said:

“Tu bewakoof nahi, main bewakoof hoon” (You are not ******, I am ******).

This phrase, now legendary among CSK fans, showcased Dhoni’s leadership style—taking responsibility while motivating players. Chahar followed instructions and regained control over the over.

Turning the Game Around

After Dhoni’s intervention, Chahar executed the remaining deliveries flawlessly, conceding only five runs and taking the wicket of David Miller. His heroics helped CSK complete a 13-run over and ultimately secure a 22-run victory. Chahar reflected:

“I thought I will not get bowling again, and I just put my head down and was listening. But in the next five-six balls, I gave only five runs and took a wicket as well, and we won the game.”

Lessons in Leadership

• MS Dhoni demonstrates calm, strategic leadership, even in high-pressure IPL moments.
• Taking responsibility publicly can motivate players instead of demoralizing them.

Chahar’s resilience shows how confidence and guidance can transform a difficult situation into a match-winning performance.

Chahar’s Career Takeaway

Deepak Chahar now often recalls this lesson as a defining moment in his IPL career. It reinforced the importance of composure under pressure and trusting the captain’s guidance. The incident remains a classic example of Dhoni’s mentorship style, emphasizing humility, accountability, and mental strength in professional cricket.

By taking ownership and inspiring players, Dhoni not only saved an over but also instilled confidence in a young bowler, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history.

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