IPL 2021: Will Dhoni's Advice to Utkarsh Singh brings WIN-WIN for PBKS Over CSK ?

The 22-year-old all-rounder explains how suggestions from former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped his progression as an off-spinner.

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Utkarsh Singh, an all-rounder for the Punjab Kings, recently spoke about how MS Dhoni's advice changed his game. Dhoni advised the off-spinner to always look to turn the ball while bowling in 2017.


Utkarsh Singh represents Jharkhand in domestic cricket. MS Dhoni made it a point to visit training camps in Ranchi, practice with the team, and mentor youngsters with his invaluable advice, according to the 22-year-old. Singh told the Punjab Kings in an interview"Whenever we have a camp in Ranchi, he (MS Dhoni) always comes and practices with the team. And obviously, he’s always been a guiding influence on all of us here. I remember him telling me ‘Utkarsh dekh, mujhe sirf ek hei cheez chahiye, I want you to turn the ball every time you’re bowling."

The all-rounder highlighted how that advice from MS Dhoni changed his mindset.



He said,"I think this was in 2017, and ever since then, I haven’t thought of myself as an all-rounder. While I’m bowling, I see myself as a pure bowler, and while batting, I think of myself as a pure batsman, trying to add value in both departments. And turning the ball has definitely helped me as a bowler because there is always an uncertainty in the minds of the batsmen, be it a right-hander or a left-hander,” explained the Jharkhand based all-rounder.

Utkarsh Singh is making his IPL debut after the Punjab Kings purchased his services for 20 Lakhs at an auction earlier this year. The all-rounder has yet to make his first appearance for Punjab, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to break into the playing XI this season.



The Punjab Kings will battle the Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.





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