'It Calmed My Nerves': Rahul Tripathi Recalls When MS Dhoni Boosted His Confidence Ahead Of IPL Debut

Indian Premier League: Top-order Indian batter Rahul Tripathi made his debut in the Indian Premier League in the 2017 season with the Rising Pune Supergiants alongside legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. Tripathi has appeared in 95 IPL matches, scoring 2236 runs at a strike rate of 139.31. The 34-year-old has smashed 12 half-centuries in the cash-rich tournament but is yet to hit his maiden ton. He is considered one of the hard hitters of the tournament.

Rahul Tripathi's Numbers In Int. and Domestic Cricket

Even though he has earned a lot of respect in IPL, the batter failed to shine in the Indian Cricket Team. The right-handed batter had to wait for a long time to wear the Blue jersey for the first time. He made his international debut in the T20I format in January 2023 against Sri Lanka. Rahul has played just five 20-over matches for the Men in Blue, scoring 97 runs at a strike rate of 144.77 and an average of 19.40. His last game for Team India was in February 2023 against New Zealand, following that, he has failed to earn his place in the squad.

ALSO READ: David Miller Bashes The ICC, Tries To Justify SA's Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Loss To NZ

The Indian batter is also a well-known name in domestic cricket. He amassed 2867 runs from 56 first-class matches at a strike rate of 54.26. In List A, he took part in 73 matches and scored 2177 runs.

Rahul Tripathi Lauds MS Dhoni

While speaking at the House of Glory podcast, Rahul Tripathi recalled the time when MS Dhoni called the 34-year-old to his room and asked him not to think "anything extra". Rahul believed that Dhoni's words calmed his nerves and gave a lot of confidence.

ALSO READ: Ex-Cricketer Feels Winning IPL Will Add Perfect 'Finishing' Touch To Virat Kohli's Career

“Two days before I was going to play my first match, I was observing him in the dressing room. He called me and told me not to try or think anything extra and asked me to play the way I was playing while training. Given that this advice came from a cricketer of that stature and the fact that I was going to play my debut match, it gave me a lot of confidence. It really calmed my nerves,” Rahul said at the House of Glory podcast.

Interestingly, Rahul will be seen again alongside Dhoni in the 18th season of the T20 tournament as both the players will be representing Chennai Super Kings. The IPL 2025 will begin on March 22, however, the Chennai-based franchise will begin their campaign in the upcoming season on March 23 against Mumbai Indians.