MS Dhoni reminisces how he outfoxed Bangladesh with his Bengali knowledge

MS Dhoni's journey from a railways ticket collector in Kharagpur to one of the finest captains in the game of cricket has inspired many. The wicketkeeper-batter is one of the most respected cricketers not only in India but also around the world.

During his early days in Kharagpur, West Bengal, Dhoni picked up the local language - Bengali. At a recent event, the 42-year-old revealed how he had foiled Bangladesh's plans during a match with his understanding of Bengali.

“Kharagpur me mere railways ka job tha aur us samay Bengali meri bahut achhi thi. Ab bhi bolunga toh bhulbhal bolunga, kisko kya kharaab laag jayega [When I used to work at Kharagpur in Railways, my Bengali was very well. Now if I speak, I may make mistakes], but I can understand Bengali very well,” Dhoni said at the event.

“Interestingly, hum log Bangladesh mein match khel rahe the, toh mai batting kar raha tha. Unko nahi pata tha mujhe Bengali aati hai. Woh keeper udhar se chillake fast bowler ko bol raha tha kuch. Mujhe pehle pata tha woh kya daalne wala hai. Toh jab match khatam hua fir hum baat kar rahe the toh.. Ae Eta Bangali bujhte pare [Interestingly, once, we were playing a match in Bangladesh, and they didn’t know I understood Bengali. Their keeper was suggesting something to the bowler, so I already knew what he would bowl. So, once the match ended, they (Bangladeshi players) were talking among themselves and seeing my reaction, they were like He understands Bengali],” Dhoni recalled.

When MS Dhoni pranked Bangladeshi’s
pic.twitter.com/9IRDNsZpNn

— BALA (@rightarmleftist) October 30, 2023

This hilarious anecdote shared by the three-time ICC event-winning captain left everyone, present at the event, in splits.

Dhoni likely to play IPL 2024

Dhoni has made his intentions clear on a number of occasions that he is willing to play in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. He led Chennai Super Kings to a record-equaling fifth IPL title earlier this year. Dhoni marshalled his troops commendably and made an inexperienced bowling attack look lethal with his guidance. Fans are waiting with bated breath to watch the talismanic cricketer once again on the field with still a few months left before the start of the 17th season of the IPL.