The M.S. Dhoni Way: Leadership Masterclass from the Master of the Craft - Pearls of Wisdom

Messages reportedly have been simply flying in from all corners of the universe (including the aliens with signals received by NASA :) to wish the legend MSD on his 42nd birthday. Here's wishing the legend from our side: "May you Soar Forever, just like the unstoppable SR-71 Blackbird flying at Mach 3.2 at the very top of the stratosphere, continuing to give illumination & inspiration to everyone down below on Earth, as always, including, the ones yet to come." Stay blessed forever... Audio Credits: Indian Express' Audio Story covering the wishes coming MSD's way on his very special 7th day of the 7th month of the year...

After winning the IPL 2023 title, the first words which came from MSD in the dressing room to his comrades were, "hard work paid off but don't forget what we did right and what we did wrong as a lesson for the next season as shared by Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande in an interview given to the Indian Express. They both shared as to how MSD's intervention as the master tactician proved pivotal to a complete turnaround in their performances after the initial, wobbly starts they both had. It's almost like a case study in how MSD grooms young talent by constantly guiding and nudging them while also pointing out their mistakes & errors in the face publicly during the post match presentations. Such is the incredible connect and trust enjoyed by MSD over his subjects... Audio Credits: Audio story published originally by the Indian Express voiced by AI based on article by Devendra Pandey published on June 01, 2023 and available at https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/what-did-ms-dhoni-tell-his-csk-team-mates-in-the-dressing-room-after-the-ipl-win-8638342/lite/ All rights reserved by the Indian Express for the story and the article. Also, now that Dhoni's birthday is just round the corner and given that all of us are seriously missing him, gift yourself a souvenir by grabbing a copy of the latest book on MSD, 'The M.S. Dhoni Way' available in paperback on Amazon at https://www.amazon.in/M-S-Dhoni-Way-Ladership-Masterclass/dp/B0C5XTR5V2

Amid the growing furore & uproar over Johnny Bairstow's unusual dismissal in the second Test of the ongoing Ashes series, an incident direct ly related to it comes to mind instantly, wherein, MSD honoured the spirit of the game while keeping the rulebook aside. It happened around twelve years ago in the India's tour of England in the year 2011. The incident involved former England batsman Ian Bell who was in the same situation as Bairstow now but he was then called back by the Indian captain MS Dhoni after the bizarre run out in the second Test of India’s England tour in 2011 and upon requests by the English captain Andrew Strauss and the coach Andy Flower. Also, the gentle voice insisting for & backing the decision to do so was none other than the legend Sachin Tendulkar himself. Audio credits: Indian Express' Audio news story piece voiced by AI. Based on a news article published on July 04, 2023 and available at https://indianexpress-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/in-wake-of-bairstow-stumping-controversy-at-ashes-revisiting-when-ms-dhoni-showed-spirit-of-cricket-8713276/lite/?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQGsAEggAID#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16884939676948&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Fcricket%2Fin-wake-of-bairstow-stumping-controversy-at-ashes-revisiting-when-ms-dhoni-showed-spirit-of-cricket-8713276%2F All rights reserved by the Indian Express for the story and the article. Also, now that Dhoni's birthday is just round the corner and given that all of us are seriously missing him, gift yourself a souvenir by grabbing a copy of the latest book on MSD, 'The M.S. Dhoni Way' available in paperback on Amazon at https://www.amazon.in/M-S-Dhoni-Way-Ladership-Masterclass/dp/B0C5XTR5V2

The Yellow Army is ecstatic once again and the entire nation electrified as MSD and the CSK have brought their 5th IPL trophy back home to Chennai in a truly deserving manner while comprehensively outclassing GT in the rain affected final. However, the best part was MSD's assurance that he would be coming back next year for another season of IPL before bidding adieu and said the it will be his gift to his fans. Listen to what he said to Harsha Bhogle. Also, now that the IPL is over and all of us are already missing Dhoni, take out sone time to unravel the secrets of MSD's greatness as a leader for yourself by reading our latest book 'The M.S. Dhoni Way' available in paperback on Amazon at https://www.amazon.in/M-S-Dhoni-Way-Ladership-Masterclass/dp/B0C5XTR5V2

The roaring lions ultimately slayed the Titans in their own Den at Chepauk yesterday after having lost both their league games to them this season. MSD's astuteness in bowler rotation, field placements and overall tactical game control on home turf was hawkish and brilliant as usual and simply too much for GT as they were comprehensively outplayed in all departments of the game. MSD also indicated that he is gonna be around with CSK for a long time to come whether as a player or part of thinktank/support staff and so fans are gonna see him around. CSK are into the final and almost waiting eagerly to lay their hands on their 5th trophy under an unmatched and one of the greatest captain the game has ever seen... For unraveling the secrets of MSD's greatness as a leader, grab your copy of the latest, just released book on MSD's leadership on Amazon at the link below:- The M.S. Dhoni Way https://www.amazon.in/M-S-Dhoni-Way-Ladership-Masterclass/dp/B0C5XTR5V2

MSD outlined his blueprint for building a successful team, when asked, after winning their final encounter against DC. Key elements of his blueprint include:- 1. Hiring great players with strong skillsets. 2. Deploying them effectively leveraging their strengths. 3. Coaching them on their improvement areas for further development. 4. Believing in them and making them believe in themselves. 5. Backing them through the Ups and Downs and see them perform and take the team to glory. That's the MSD Way! PS: Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

The whistle support provided by the yellow army to the CSK team and its impact on the game is known very well. However, it was Thanksgiving time for MSD & Co to reciprocate their love and they did it in style. MSD & Co took a lap of honor after their last home game of IPL 2023 against KKR at Chepauk and gave gifts, jerseys and other memorabilia to the yellow army in a highly emotional & overwhelming moment. In case you missed watching it live check it out on Google or YouTube right now... Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

Team CSK is almost on the verge of making it to the play-offs of IPL 2023 as they need to win their last league game against DC to breach the 16 points threshold effectively which should not be a big deal for MSD & Co given that DC this year has been in dire straits. In their last encounter at Chepauk, CSK had comfortably defeated DC in a low scoring encounter. Also, CSK could not overcome the challenge posed by KKR in their backyard in their second last league game owing to the dew factor which made batting damn easy for KKR referred to by MSD as the impact of conditions on the game. Listen to MSD in the post match presentation of that game... Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

Giovanni Roman is a 29-year old USMC veteran from Orange County  in Southern California. When he heard that the Russians had invaded Ukraine in February 2022, his life changed as he decided to volunteer & go to Ukraine to save the defenseless using his military training as a marine. He says that, "It didn't feel right for me to sit and watch it on TV, kind of be like everyone else - thoughts and prayers and just forget about it two minutes later." He did fight the Russians there, saved lives as a medic but had a real narrow escape when the convoy he was travelling in was hit by a rocket attack. Currently, he is recuperating from the injuries sustained from that attack. While recuperating and even after having lost an eye, he says that, “If required, I would do it again…” Read his incredible, full story below:- https://abc7.com/americans-in-ukraine-orange-county-marine-wounded-combat-medic/13205866/ PS: Gio's friend Scott has also created a fund-raiser campaign for his recovery on 'Go Fund Me':- https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-gio-get-home Audio Credits: CBS News LA

CSK scored a thumping win in their second encounter against arch-rival MI in IPL 2023 at Chepauk. MSD in the post match presentation that after winning the toss he wanted to bat first but the CSK think tank wanted the team to field first given the forecast for rain later in the day game which would have suited the chasing side in the application of DL scenario. Secondly, MI as a team prefers chasing as a team rather than batting first. Fielding first, thus, would have been playing on MI's weakness which is what actually happened with MI's top order collapsing and putting a paltry total on the board. MSD later said that since he was not sure at the outset he went with the CSK think tank which ultimately went the CSK way. CSK now face DC, a team on the comeback trail, at Chepauk once again which should be a relatively easier game for our master tactician MSD... Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

CSK's weakest link, which is their young & inexperienced pace bowling attack, was exposed again and capitalised upon effectively by the Punjab batsmen in their last game. Facing a par score of 200 made by CSK thanks to MSD's two massive sixes on the last two balls of the innings, PBKS' swashbuckling batsmen took on the CSK's rookie pace bowlers early on and smashed them to all corners of the Chepauk ground. Only Pathirana seemed in control but was out of sheer luck as his accurate Yorkers also somehow made it to the boundary lines and PBKS won the nailbiting, last ball coiffhanger. MSD's strategy this season has been to somehow cover up their pace bowling weakness with above par scores by the batsmen which is their clear strength. Above par scores of 200 plus have been successfully defended by the CSK bowlers successfully in their last 3 consecutive wins prior to the loss against PBKS and the batting order's inability to chase against RR. Deepak Chahar's return in the yesterday's game against LSG should help alleviate the pace bowling issues to some extent going forward with the team slated to take on a resurgent arch-rival MI again in a crucial match, especially after the washout of the low-score LSG game costing them a critical point, which should make for an entertaining encounter...Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

CSK even lost round 2 of the Battle of Spinners against RR with the formidable triad of Spinners from both sides squaring off against each other once again in the pink city. Win-Loss Analysis: 1. CSK bowlers gave too many extra runs in the powerplay as well as death overs enabling RR to get to 202 batting first whereas the average score at Jaipur while batting first is around 165-170. 2. Moeen Ali was brought in late to bowl and was given just 2 overs to bowl in which he conceded just 7 runs. He could have been given two more overs as he was bowling well & was getting turn from pitch. 3. While chasing CSK made the same mistake of not capitalising on the powerplay as had happened in round 1 at Chepauk despite Trent Boult not playing. CSK openeres only made 45 from powerplay. 4. Middle overs went CSK's way with Shivam Dube & Moeen Ali hoisting RR spinners for some real big sixes. 5. RR's death bowling was accurate as usual. Sandeep Singh gave just 20 runs off his 4 overs while southpaw seamer Kuldeep gave just 18 off his 3 overs. Zampa was once again the pick of Spinners taking 3 wickets while giving just 22 runs off his 3 overs. Collectively, Sandeep, Kuldeep and Zampa gave just 64 runs in their 10 bowled overs which cost CSK the game while casing a huge score of 202. 6. MSD did not bat even for a ball when his presence in the middle was really needed to take on RR's quickies on a good batting wicket. 7. MSD should have come out to bat at number 7 instead of Jaddu as dhoni's hitting could have given CSK a much better chance of victory and could have at least reduced the margin of defeat which has impacted their run rate now & has brought them to the third spot on the points table after losing by 32 runs. Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

Rahane has been in almost the form of his life in IPL 2023 while batting in full flow with utmost ease. In the last game against KKR he scored a blistering knock of 71 runs at a strike rate of almost 200 plus. He has duly given full credit to his incredible revenant as a top order batsman to MSD who advised him to bat like the 'Ajinkya Rahane' and that injection of self-belief has truly worked like magic on him. What a comeback Jinx! Simply Fantastic... Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

CSK drubbed a beleaguered KKR outfit by a huge margin at the Eden Gardens yesterday after making a colossal total of 234 while batting first. Then they put up a clinical performance to bowl out KKR's top order cheaply to capture another 2 invaluable points in their journey towards the play-offs and the 5th title possibly. MSD seems to be preparing his fans & the public at large for his retirement as he again talked about his farewell after having talked about him being at the last leg of his career in the previous match. Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

Harsha Bhogle's cryptic ode to MS Dhoni's lightning quick glovework behind the Stumps in the CSK's encounter against Chepauk in which MSD took a fantastic catch, completed a lightning fast stumping and executed a brilliant run out. CSK had a thumping win against SRH. Listen in for more. Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

It's said it is not about what you have but rather about what you make of what you have that determines the outcome. CSK are clearly facing constraints, issues & challenges this time around once again in IPL 2023. But one man who remains unfazed by them and continues to focus on what best could be derived out of what he has is none other than MSD. He truly is the perfect blend of Maverick and Iceman with his disruptive abilities and ice cool demeanor & temperament which takes him a cut above all the rest. How he has brought back a veteran Rahane from the abyss of darkness to the spotlight and made him shine by backing him to the hilt truly is the stuff of legends. He filled a key void in his batting line-up by deploying a veteran at number 3. MSD has effectively harnessed Rahane's experience, technical soundness in batting & the knack of penetrating the field to great effect. Similarly, he has leveraged Shivam Dube's ability to decimate spinners with his big hitting capability rather than focusing on his known limitations against the short ball. The way MSD has deployed & handled his rookie pace bowling battery by nudging & guiding them subtly from behind is equally remarkable which has made them believe that they can even bowl at Death if required and they have delivered on that front effectively. That's the Dhoni Magic and it all emanates from belief, an unshakeable belief in self and his troops and when someone like MSD believes in them and has their back even ordinary players turn into extraordinary and deliver the goods on any given day come what may...That's how whatever Mahi touches eventually turns into Gold...Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

In their last encounter of the IPL 2023 CSK took on RCB in Chhinaswamy and it turned out to be another run feast for everyone with the adrenaline pumping match truly living up to the expectations of everyone. CSK scored a massive total of 227 while batting first with the entire too order firing on all cylinders. RCB didn't get to a great start while chasing but Faf & Maxie posed a serious threat to the yellow army with their blitzkrieg which almost took the game away from CSK. But one man who never gets overwhelmed by what's happening around & continues to think of what could be done to turn it around is our Thala Dhoni. MSD brought his spinners back into action even after they had taken a serious beating. They delivered by enticing Faf & Maxie to go for big hits and lost their wickets with MSD himself taking the catches as all others were buckling down under pressure and the Chhinaswamy was ultimately conquered...Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

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CSK faced RR in their latest encounter at their very own Fortress Chepauk which was being duly dubbed as the Battle of the Spinners given that both sides had 3 quality spinners each on a spin friendly wicket. Key takeaways:- 1. CSK's spinners, Jadeja, Moeen & Theekshana did well to restrict RR under 175 after a blistering start with Jadeja being the pick of the bowlers. MSD has a real problem in the pace bowling attack with the pace spearhead Deepak Chahar's hamstring injury. 2. CSK batters had an average start with the early loss of Rituraj within powerplay. Rahane again showed his batting class. 3. RR's spinners, Ashwin, Chahal & Zampa bowled beautifully as they kept taking wickets while containing the batsmen & building pressure and MSD was at the crease by the 15th over. 4. MSD & Jaddu needed 20 runs off the last 2 overs and they had almost brought 2 points home with some real great power hitting by the duo with the shades of vintage Mahi clearly visible. However, Mahi couldn't hit that last big one required on the last ball following a great Yorker by Sandeep Sharma pitched right outside his off stump. 5. CSK's spinners bowled 10 overs and conceded 84 runs while taking 3 wickets. RR's spinners on the contrary conceded 95 runs off their 12 bowled overs but they picked up 5 key wickets which effectively dictated the fate of the game. CSK's Theekshana gave 42 runs from his 4 overs without picking up a single wicket in his opening game this season. 6. MSD was his true humble self in the post match presentation with even the feat of playing his 200th IPL game not mattering to him as usual. He also showed his far-sightedness and goal focus given that he has been pacing up the games while effectively keeping the net run rate in mind at all times for the fag end of the tournament. 7. CSK will now take on RCB in their next game at Chinnaswamy on the coming Monday in what is likely to be another crackerjack of a game as always... Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W

It is not the strongest or the mightiest but the side most adaptable to circumstances and the degree of change on any given day which thrives in the IPL and CSK so far have seemed to be living that as a motto this time around. With Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes out of the side against the important encounter versus arch-rival MI in their fortress, MSD showed true adaptability by fielding old hand Ajinkya Rahane who knows Wankhede at the back of his hand besides Pretorius (as we have been urging him to) and Magala who made his debut for CSK. Rahane, backed fully by Dhoni, seemed to have broken the jinx surrounding him as he showed his true class after almost being written off as a professional cricketer by media, selectors and the fraternity. 'Bravo' to MSD for believing in Rahane. Pretorius & Magala bring way more balance to the side with their ability to vary pace & bowl off cutters which becomes crucial on flat wickets and strengthens death bowling. Tushar Deshpande has been improving with every game while the spinners have always been the core pivot of CSK's line-up and they continue to unleash their lethal craft to trap the batsmen. The injury prone Deepak Chahar's injury in the powerplay itself came as another major blow to Dhoni's plans but he remained unfazed as usual being the captain cool and tackled it really well showing great adaptability rather than fretting over it. Overall, CSK seems to be a great side now with a strong and deep batting line-up and a variety of bowlers. However, the weakest link still remains in form of its duo of rookie quick bowlers, Deshpande & Hangargekar, and MSD's grooming & tactical deployment of them will be crucial to CSK's fortunes in this edition of IPL. Also, another point for the long haul, given Rahane's batting prowess, experience and proven leadership acumen for the Indian test side earlier, CSK could probably groom him for the captaincy role (after the Jaddu debacle last year) as an eventual successor to MSD when he eventually decides to hang up his boots. This way he could be groomed under MSD in real time for the inevitable or will CSK bring Ben Stokes to the fore...only time will tell. PS: Grab a copy of MSD's latest, just released Leadership book: The M.S. Dhoni Way on Amazon India - Available for Rs. 295 with 48 hours Prime delivery: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0C5XTR5V2 For International readers: https://books2read.com/u/breX1W