Venkatesh Iyer
IPL 2025: “I hit straight into short third’s hands” – Venkatesh Iyer recalls MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance
As the IPL 2025 season draws closer, one of the most consistent talking points remains the leadership brilliance of MS Dhoni, captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His ability to read the game, make intuitive decisions, and strategically outthink opponents has been a defining characteristic of his leadership throughout his IPL career. Venkatesh Iyer, one of the rising stars of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently opened up about a specific incident from a match in which he witnessed MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance firsthand, while reflecting on a crucial moment when he got out by playing straight into a short third man’s hands.
In this article, we delve into Iyer’s reflections on Dhoni’s strategic mastery and how his captaincy has influenced and impressed players, including those from rival teams. Through this specific encounter, Iyer sheds light on the intelligent tactical moves Dhoni is known for and how such decisions have shaped his understanding of leadership in IPL cricket.
The Incident: A Match Defined by Dhoni’s Tactical Genius
The match in question saw KKR face off against CSK, and while many key moments defined the outcome of the game, it was a specific dismissal of Iyer that stood out. In this match, the young all-rounder, known for his attacking batting Venkatesh Iyer style, was dismissed in a rather unfortunate manner — by hitting the ball straight into the hands of the short third man. This moment, which could have been chalked up to an unfortunate shot, left a deeper impact on Iyer, primarily because of the tactical maneuvering orchestrated by Dhoni.
Reflecting on the moment, Iyer recounted, “I hit the ball straight into the short third man’s hands. At that point, I didn’t think too much about it. But later, when I spoke to Dhoni, he explained how it wasn’t just my shot that led to my dismissal, but how he had set the field with that exact outcome in mind. It was a tactical move that most people wouldn’t notice, but it was one of the subtle things that make Dhoni’s captaincy special.”
Dhoni had placed the fielder in that position deliberately, knowing the pressure of the game would influence the batsman to play risky shots. The move was almost premeditated; Dhoni anticipated that a batter like Iyer, under pressure, might look to cut or square drive, and with the short third man in place, the risk of an edge to that position was significantly higher.
Dhoni’s Mastery in Game Reading
What makes Dhoni’s leadership stand out is his incredible ability to read the game and make decisions that might seem unorthodox but often turn out to be game-changing. His field placements, bowling changes, and strategic moves are guided by an intuitive understanding of the game that only a few captains possess. In Iyer’s case, Dhoni’s decision to place a short third man was not just about a tactical move for that particular delivery, but a broader understanding of the flow of the game.
Dhoni’s decisions are often made based on what he believes will happen, not just what is happening. His ability to read the pressure on a batsman and adjust the field placements accordingly is something that other captains can only aspire to. In this instance, Dhoni placed the short third man, knowing Iyer was in a phase where he was Venkatesh Iyer bound to play an aerial shot in an attempt to get boundaries, and likely misjudged the length or line of the ball.
Reflecting on the moment in a recent interview, Iyer acknowledged, “At that time, I didn’t realize the move was so deliberate. But after speaking to Dhoni, it dawned on me how he calculates such moments. He doesn’t just look at numbers, he gauges the player, the situation, and the match flow, and adjusts accordingly.” This explains the depth of Dhoni’s thinking — it’s not just about tactical placements but about understanding human psychology and the ebb and flow of a high-pressure game.
The ‘Real Captaincy’ that Iyer Talks About
For Iyer, Dhoni’s tactics go beyond the traditional textbook strategies employed by other captains. Iyer often refers to Dhoni’s captaincy as “real captaincy.” To Iyer, this means a leadership style where decisions are driven not by emotion or impulse but by a calm, rational approach grounded in years of experience. It’s about reading the room — or rather, the game — and making decisions that might not always be conventional but are highly effective.
In the IPL, where every match can be a high-pressure situation, Dhoni’s ability to remain composed and make decisions based on the pulse of the game has been one of his defining traits. Iyer’s comment about Dhoni’s “real captaincy” reflects an admiration for how Dhoni combines his instinctive knowledge of cricket with an analytical approach.
“Real captaincy is not about dictating terms all the time, it’s about making those subtle changes when it matters the most. Dhoni does that effortlessly,” Iyer shared. “He’s a guy who lets the situation unfold and then reads it before making his move. Sometimes, it’s the simplest field setting that makes a huge difference, and Dhoni understands that better than anyone.”
This kind of captaincy approach demands a deep understanding of not just the game but also the mindset of players, both in your own team and the opposition. Dhoni’s ability to stay ahead of the game in this sense is what makes him a leader that other players and captains respect immensely.
The Importance of Trust and Team Chemistry
In addition to his game-reading skills, one of Dhoni’s key leadership qualities is his trust in his players. He backs them to perform even in difficult situations, and this trust is something that creates an environment of freedom and selfVenkatesh Iyer -belief within the team. Iyer, a player who has had to step up in high-pressure situations for KKR, recognizes that Dhoni’s success as a captain is built on his ability to create an atmosphere of support while also keeping a sharp tactical edge.
In IPL 2025, Iyer’s own leadership skills will likely be influenced by his time playing against Dhoni and observing his methods. “When you play against Dhoni, you’re not just playing against a team, but against his brain. He knows exactly what you’re trying to do and adjusts to it before you even realize it. His leadership inspires me to keep learning and stay calm Venkatesh Iyer in tough moments,” Iyer stated.
How Dhoni Has Shaped IPL’s Strategic Landscape
Dhoni’s tactical decisions have played a significant role in the evolution of the IPL’s strategic landscape. Over the years, captains and players have adopted several aspects of his approach to leadership. His understanding of match situations, adaptability, and ability to bring out the best in his players have set a benchmark for what it means to be a successful captain in the IPL.
The tactical field placements Dhoni uses, such as the positioning of the short third man in this instance with Iyer, are part of his ability to read not only the game situation but also the mindset of individual players. The IPL is full of such nuanced moments, and Dhoni has mastered how to exploit them to his advantage.
As Iyer reflected on this particular match and Dhoni’s role in it, he noted, “That dismissal was a lesson in itself. Sometimes, as players, we don’t see the bigger picture — the field placements, the thought process, the moves Dhoni makes. It’s a real eye-opener when you step back and understand the psychology behind it.”
The Legacy of Dhoni’s Tactical Leadership
As the IPL 2025 season draws near, MS Dhoni’s legacy as a captain continues to shape how future leaders approach the game. Dhoni’s tactical brilliance is not just about his understanding of cricket; it’s about his ability to make decisions under pressure, read the game’s flow, and put his players in positions where they can succeed. For Iyer and other emerging players, observing and learning from Dhoni’s leadership will undoubtedly influence their growth as cricketers, whether they captain a team one day or simply look to be more effective players.
In conclusion, Venkatesh Iyer’s reflection on the “real captaincy” that Dhoni embodies is a testament to the lasting influence the CSK captain has had on players across the IPL. Dhoni’s tactical brilliance, calmness under pressure, and intuitive understanding of the game are qualities that make him one of the most admired and respected leaders in the history of the IPL. And for players like Iyer, who look up to him, Dhoni’s leadership continues to serve as a guiding light.