It was yet another clinical performance by Chennai Super Kings’ legend, MS Dhoni who stole the show with his last-over heroics to be the difference as they beat their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians by 20 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
CSK’s bowling consultant, Eric Simmons has suggested that the former Indian international serves as the ‘batting template’ to try and test out their theories to improve the side’s death bowling. The ones that were able to keep Dhoni quiet would work in the side’s favour during the games.
Thala came out to bat in the final four deliveries of the first innings. MI skipper Hardik Pandya who was bowling the last over, seemed to be on top with the wicket of Daryl Mitchell, but Dhoni stole the show as he struck three maximums off the final three deliveries and made it 26 runs off the final over of the innings.
His late blitz proved to be the difference as CSK pipped MI by 20 runs to take the third position in the IPL points table.
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The former Proteas international delivered massive praise to the former CSK skipper for turning the tides with that cameo which derailed the plans of the home side. He said, “They’re looking at restricting us to under 200 and then they’re suddenly facing 206 with an over like that. Every time — we live close to him — he continues to amaze us. To go out there and hit the first ball like that for six and then continue the way he does”.
Simmons also revealed that Dhoni has been in good touch when practising in the nets. “But he has been batting exceptionally well in the nets…just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment,” added the South African.
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He also highlighted that the presence of mind from Dhoni is something that the death bowlers use to test their plans which would be implemented in their upcoming games and this approach has served them in good stead.
“His calmness at the wicket… we use him as a batting template when we’re bowling at the death, the pre-season because he’s so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we’re going to do well,” he concluded.
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With the win over MI, CSK now sits third on the points table with 8 points in the six games played. They have won four games in total and are in the race to secure a spot in the playoffs.
(with PTI Inputs)
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