Shaik Rasheed shines on IPL Debut as Dhoni hails youngster’s maturity and skill

Lucknow, Apr 14: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was full of praise for debutant Shaik Rasheed following the team’s crucial victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday. The young batsman made an immediate impact in his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) appearance, earning accolades from the legendary skipper for his maturity, composure, and technique under pressure.

In the post-match press conference, Dhoni highlighted the significance of players understanding their roles and taking responsibility, especially during high-stakes matches. “Roles and responsibilities — that’s what we talk about in the dressing room,” Dhoni explained. “If you get off to a good start, and you’re someone who can anchor the innings, then why not? I think he batted well today.”

The 20-year-old right-handed top-order batsman from Andhra Pradesh showcased his promise with a confident and steady knock, which helped stabilize CSK’s innings at a critical juncture. Dhoni noted that Rasheed’s performance was not a surprise for the team management, as he had been consistently impressive in practice. “He has been with us for quite a few years. This year, he has been batting well in the nets against both pacers and spinners. It’s just the beginning, but he can dominate with authentic cricketing shots,” Dhoni said, clearly impressed by the youngster’s natural ability and temperament.

Rasheed’s debut couldn’t have come at a better time for CSK, whose top-order has struggled in several matches this season. With a composed innings that reflected maturity beyond his years, Rasheed’s performance has injected a fresh sense of confidence into the CSK batting lineup. His assured strokeplay and willingness to rotate strike stood out, adding depth and balance to the team’s top order.

Interestingly, Dhoni, who was named Player of the Match, humbly questioned the decision, suggesting that young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was equally, if not more, deserving of the accolade. “Even today I was like — why are they giving me the award? Noor bowled well,” he remarked, applauding Noor’s tight lines and effective bowling spell that kept LSG’s chase in check.

Shaik Rasheed was a part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2022 and has already built a solid foundation in domestic cricket, scoring over 1,200 First-Class runs and notching centuries in both First-Class and T20 formats. Acquired by CSK for ₹30 lakh during the IPL 2025 auction, Rasheed’s immediate impact in his debut outing suggests that he could become a key figure in CSK’s campaign going forward.

With Dhoni’s backing and a strong debut performance, Rasheed’s IPL journey has begun on a highly promising note.