This talented player credits MS Dhoni for his performance in Indian T20 League 2022

A wicket-keeper plays an important role in helping bowlers with what they need to do. This is because they are the closest to the batter. If it is a keeper like MS Dhoni behind the stumps, the bowlers benefit even more because of his vast understanding of the game. Chennai had a horrible season, finishing ninth in the Indian T20 League this year. Yet, several new players including Prashant Solanki, Mukesh Choudhary, and Maheesh Theekshana, however, did well for the team.

Prashant Solanki, who made his debut for Chennai in the 2022 season, has credited MS Dhoni for his performance. Solanki did not take any wickets in his first game against Gujarat, but he bounced back strong against Rajasthan. During the game against the Sanju Samson-led side, he took two key wickets while surrendering only 20 runs. He did however credit his skipper for his success. Solanki took two wickets at a 6.33 economy rate in two matches this season.

"Mahi bhai keeps things very simple. Whether you’re bowling leg-spin, googly or top-spin, if you’re not giving runs, you are bowling well. He had given us instructions that we have to bowl dot balls because that’s what creates pressure in T20 cricket," he told Sportskeeda.

He said that despite being hammered for a six on the first ball, Dhoni gave him a hint that led to his triumph. "In the second game, I came into the bowl a bit late because we didn’t have a big total and he was shuffling the bowlers around. I was hit for a six off my first ball. Then he (Dhoni) gave me an indication that I have to pull my length back and keep it a little shorter. Let him play strokes on the bigger end. Then I was successful," he added.

"He (Hetmyer) hit me for a boundary and then Mahi bhai indicated to me once again to use the bigger side of the ground. I bowled the top spinner on his legs and he miscued it and was out on deep mid-wicket," Solanki concluded.