Axar Patel credits MS Dhoni for all the success he has had over the years

Axar Patel credited MS Dhoni's secret advice for his improved cricket career, revealing that the 43-year-old even jokingly turned into an astrologer.

Axar Patel credits MS Dhoni for all the success he has had over the years

Axar Patel credited MS Dhoni for helping him succeed in his international career. (via Instagram)

Delhi Capitals’ skipper Axar Patel revealed that former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s secret advice helped him to improve as a player, over the years. He credited Dhoni for helping him change his fortunes in international cricket, even turning into an astrologer for the all-rounder. 

Axar Patel has seen his stakes rise over the years in the Indian national team, since he made his international debut in 2014. At the young age of 21, Patel even made it into India’s 15-man squad at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia, under MS Dhoni‘s leadership. However, it was followed by a hiatus from the national team, before Axar Patel returned to claim a place in 2021. 

The 31-year-old has played 14 Tests, 68 ODIs and 71 T20s. A brilliant left-arm bowling all-rounder, Axar Patel has scalped a combined 143 wickets and scored 1328 runs in white-ball cricket. Since Rohit Sharma’s takeover as Indian captain, Patel has sealed his place in the team. He played a key role in India’s recent back-to-back ICC triumphs, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

Axar Patel has also featured in the IPL over the last 11 seasons, playing 152 matches for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. His contributions were most recently recognized by DC, who decided to name him as their new captain for the 2025 IPL season. The 31-year-old has guided Delhi Capitals to a solid start to the new season, winning their opening two fixtures against Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Ahead of their upcoming IPL encounter against CSK, Axar Patel opened up on how MS Dhoni helped him succeed. The all-rounder revealed details of the conversation he had with Dhoni, when the latter was appointed as India’s mentor at the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Patel recalled a hilarious incident when the former Indian wicket-keeper had turned astrologer and stated that his planets were not in line.

The credit goes to Mahi [MS Dhoni] bhai for the changes that can be seen. He told me my planets are moving here and there… He told me to get some rituals done to correct it.

Axar Patel on MS Dhoni (H/T Hindustan Times)

Axar Patel added that MS Dhoni had surprisingly asked him to get a few rituals done for good fortune. While talking about the deep connection that he shares with the veteran Indian star, the 31-year-old even exclaimed that Dhoni messaged him following India’s recent Champions Trophy triumph. He credited the 43-year-old for having changed his mindset, and for motivating him throughout his career. 

I have a very close connection with Mahi bhai… After the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, I got his message.

Axar Patel added

Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see Axar Patel go up against his mentor, when DC and CSK take on each other at the M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The home side will be desperate for a win, after having suffered two consecutive defeats.

MS Dhoni might return as CSK captain against DC, following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury

Chennai Super Kings’ fans might be able to witness their favourite player and veteran IPL star, MS Dhoni making his return as the captain of the side, in their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals. It is owing to concerns regarding regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s availability due to an injury. 

MS Dhoni CSK captain
MS Dhoni could return as CSK captain for their next match against DC, in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence. (via X)

The 28-year-old opener sustained an elbow injury while batting in CSK’s last game against Rajasthan Royals. Despite being in excruciating pain, he went on to score a half-century for his team. However, Gaikwad has not trained with the team since then, and is reportedly undergoing recovery, which could keep him out of action. The final call on his availability for CSK’s next match is yet to be taken.

Should he fail to regain full fitness, MS Dhoni will be expected to fill in as the stand-in skipper. The 43-year-old, who remains one of the IPL’s most successful captains, leading Chennai to five IPL titles, relinquished his leadership role last season, in favor of Ruturaj Gaikwad.