MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
After unleashing mayhem at Chepauk against Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni revealed his approach during the death overs of the match. Notably, the yellow outfit extended their winning record to seven victories in the ongoing IPL as they beat David Warner’s Capitals by 27 runs.
For the unversed, the 41-year-old displayed his aggressive hitting exploits during the 19th over of the first innings, while being up against Khaleel Ahmed. Dhoni hammered two maximums and a boundary and concluded the over with 20 runs which helped CSK to attain 167 runs in the innings.
Following the match, Dhoni stated that he chooses to play an aggressive role towards the death overs and is not inclined much on rotating the strike. Moreover, he also highlighted that the execution in the first innings may not have been on point but he was delighted that star all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja got their chances with the bat.
“We can still do better as a batting unit. There were a few shots you are better off avoiding on this pitch. There were a couple where the execution was not right; we can live with that. Good thing is, Moeen (Ali) and (Ravindra Jadeja) Jaddu got to bat,” Dhoni told during the post-match presentation.
“As we get closer to the last phase, everyone has a few deliveries under their belt. My job is to hit a few deliveries. Don’t make me run a lot. Happy to contribute whatever deliveries I am getting. That is how I am practising as well,” he added.
CSK eyeing a berth in Qualifier 1
CSK are placed second on the IPL Points Table with 15 points, courtesy of seven wins and one game yielding a no-result. With the fag end of the season approaching, CSK have virtually cemented their spot in the play-offs.
However, the yellow outfit will be gunning to make a place in Qualifier 1 but face tough competition from the likes of arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Supper Giants. Meanwhile, defending champions Gujarat Titans too will look to cement their berth in Qualifier 1, as they sit atop the ladder with 16 points in 11 matches.