Zaheer Khan speaks on MS Dhoni's influence over the years in the IPL

Without much of doubt, there isn't a bigger player than MS Dhoni in the 17 years history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) especially due to his rich legacy. Under the captaincy of Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won as many as five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023, to become the most successful franchise alongside Mumbai Indians in the history of the cash-rich premier league. Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the Mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) side ahead of the IPL season. The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League will be kickstarting on 22 March, 2025, wherein the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

During a recent interview, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan talked about MS Dhoni's rich legacy and his effect on the Indian Premier League tournament. As seen over the years, in every Chennai Super Kings match, most of the parts of every cricket stadium is dominated by the yellow colour. This generally happens because there is a lot of craze for the former Indian captain and he is loved by all. 

"As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums. It should be like that. He is loved by everyone. As long as he is playing, it will be like that," stated LSG mentor Zaheer Khan in a recent interview. 

The Chennai Super Kings will be kickstarting their campaign in the IPL 2025 season against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on 23 March, 2025 scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dhoni has already started practicing for the upcoming T20 tournament and there will be some additional responsibility on his shoulders to share his experience with the rest of the players in the CSK IPL 2025 squad. 

On the other hand, Zaheer Khan further talked about the injury issues that has halted the Lucknow Super Giants squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 season. LSG's premier speedster Mayank Yadav is reportedly unavailable for the first half of the competition while the pace duo of Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan are struggling with their respective injury issues. Lucknow Super Giants will be playing their opening match in IPL 2025 against Delhi Capitals on 24 March, 2025 in Visakhapatnam. 

"When you talk about the IPL, you know that uncertainties like these can arise. LSG's support staff is working with the pacers accordingly, and we have plans in place for the season. We have 24 players in the squad, and we know how to win matches," added Zaheer.