Published 14:20 IST, December 21st 2023

'MS Dhoni told me if nobody picks him, we'll pick him': Young India star's father reveals

Ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, The former Indian Cricket Team captain, MS Dhoni made a heartfelt promise to young India star's father.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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MS Dhoni | Image: BCCI
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In an unexpected turn of events at the IPL 2024 auction, rookie wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz from Ranchi found himself in the spotlight after being bought by Gujarat Titans for a significant Rs 3.6 crore. While record-breaking agreements were made for players such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc during the auction, Robin Minz's road to the IPL became an inspirational story.

3 things you need to know 

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  • Robin Minz will play for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 after they acquired him for Rs 3.6 crore
  • Robin Minz hails from Rachi 
  • MS Dhoni made a big promise to Robin Minz’s father 

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MS Dhoni's Heartfelt Promise to Robin Minz's father 

Minz's IPL start is fascinating because of a promise made by none other than the illustrious MS Dhoni. Robin's father, Francis Minz, has revealed that Dhoni gave him an assurance at the airport. Dhoni promised that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would intervene to acquire Robin if he was not selected in the IPL 2024 auction. In an interview with the Indian Express, Francis Minz, said:

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“I had met Dhoni at the airport recently. He told me Francisji koi nahi lega toh hum le lenge. (If no one picks him, we will),” shared Francis, reflecting Dhoni's supportive gesture towards the young cricketer.

The emotional undertones of the IPL auction went beyond the transactions and assurances. Francis Minz told the story of his heartfelt meeting with a CISF jawan who wished him well on his journey to become a "crorepati" following Robin's successful acquisition by Gujarat Titans. He added: 

"A CISF jawan came to me, hugged me saying, ‘Arrey Francis sir, aap toh crorepati ban gaye’ (You have become a millionaire),” recounted Francis, highlighting the broader impact of Robin's success.

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Robin Minz: Ranchi's Chris Gayle

Coach Asif Haque compared Robin Minz's playing style to that of the renowned Chris Gayle, naming him "Ranchi ka Gayle." Haque lauded Minz as a left-handed batter with a strong frame who is known for blasting massive sixes and playing aggressively from the first ball. Asif said: 

“We call him Ranchi ka Gayle. He is left-handed, well built, and hits big sixes. A new-age cricketer, who loves to take on the bowlers from ball one, believes in batting at a strike rate of 200,” explained Asif, highlighting the exciting prospects that Minz brings to the field.

Robin Minz's career stands out in the colourful world of the Indian Premier League as a tribute to skill, promise, and the encouraging cricket community.

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14:20 IST, December 21st 2023