Dhoni credits CSK for making him a better player, helping tackle difficult times

Chennai: Gearing up for a return to competitive cricket with the IPL, Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni credited his franchise for making him a better player and helping him tackle some difficult situations both on and off the field.

Dhoni, who has been on a sabbatical since India's semifinal exit from the ODI World Cup last year, said CSK has helped him improve in everything, whether it was being a human being or being a cricketer, handling situations that are tough both in and out of the field and how to be humble once you are doing well, he was quoted on Star Sports show.

His ardent CSK fans fondly call him 'Thala', and the 38-year-old said the love and respect he has got from them is special. “'Thala' basically means brother, so for me it's more the abstract of the fans, the love and affection towards me is the reflection of that,” he said.

“Whenever I am in Chennai or down South they never call me by my name, they address me as 'Thala' and the moment someone calls me 'Thala' they are showing their love and respect but at the same time he is a CSK fan.”