MS Dhoni has been at the helm as Chennai Super Kings have started IPL 2021 on a high with two wins in the first three games.
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MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings have started IPL 2021 on a positive note with their second win in three games. After losing their opening game to Delhi Capitals by seven wickets, Chennai Super Kings have bounced back in style with wins over Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. In IPL 2020, they had won their opening game against Mumbai Indians but struggled as the tournament progressed. In that edition held in the UAE, the bowlers were under a lot of pressure. However, in IPL 2021, the bowlers have put on a great performance, with Deepak Chahar taking four wickets against Punjab Kings and Moeen Ali taking three versus Rajasthan Royals.
Speaking about performances, Dhoni had a philosophical outlook after the win against Rajasthan Royals. “Performances are something that’s not guaranteed. I wasn’t guaranteeing performances when I was 24, I can’t guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can’t point finger at me that he’s unfit then that will be a big positive for me. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are very fast, it’s good to challenge them,” Dhoni said.
Chennai Super Kings started off brilliantly as they reached 80 by the 10th over. However, they lost wickets at crucial times as Rajasthan Royals restricted them to 188/9. There was hardly any dew and the spinners, particularly Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja got some turn. Dhoni said the batsmen needed to score a lot more.
“It was stopping a bit for spinners. There was slightly less dew than the usual. I felt we should have scored more and try to get as many as possible,” Dhoni said.
Chennai Super Kings used six bowlers in defending the total, with Sam Curran, Jadeja and Moeen being the key. Dhoni stressed on the importance of having six bowlers in the side. “I felt Sam bowled really well and Deepak I think he tried the knuckleball too much. It’s important to have that sixth bowler, it always helps,” Dhoni said.
Chennai Super Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game at the Wankhede stadium.
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