- Nasima Akter
MS Dhoni Credits Extra-Special Knock For Career Boost
Chennai Super Kings' skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has expressed his disappointment with the team's performance during the first six overs in their IPL match against Rajasthan Royals, which they lost by 32 runs. Dhoni felt that his side gave away too many runs during that period, allowing RR to make a terrific start with Yashasvi Jaiswal (77 off 43) and Jos Buttler putting up an 86-run opening stand in just 8.2 overs, including 64 in the first six overs.
"They scored quite a bit above par. We gave away too many in the first six. At the same time, wicket was great to bat on," Dhoni said after the 32-run loss.
"Bowlers bowled well in the middle overs but a lot of edges went for boundaries, at least 5-6 went for them and that had made an impact. They had par-plus and we couldn't get a good start in the power play with the bat. We had to assess what a good length is, as captain you tell them but initially we have away a few boundaries and after that you're always playing catch up."
Dhoni praised Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, who made 15-ball 34 towards the end, for their efforts. He felt that Yashasvi batted really well and it was important to take calculated risks. In the end of the innings, Jurel batted well but the first six overs where they gave away too many runs got away from them. He also defended Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who gave away 48 runs off his four overs, saying that he didn't bowl badly.
"Yashasvi batted really well, was important to go after the bowlers and it was important to take calculated risks. In the end of the innings, Jurel batted well but I think it's the first six where it got away from us," he said.
While Dhoni was disappointed with the team's performance, he also took a moment to reminisce about his past experiences at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur. Dhoni fondly recalled his 183 against Sri Lanka in an ODI in 2005, which was one of the first of the many marvelous knocks that he has played during his career. Dhoni said that the venue holds a special place in his heart and that it was great to be back there.
The winning skipper, Sanju Samson, was full of praise for Jaiswal, Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal's aggressive batting. Samson said that this was a win that the team and dugout really wanted, and that the mindset of attack, attack and attack is something they will keep promoting in the dressing room.
Samson also gave credit to the team management and support staff for working with players like Jaiswal and Jurel, saying that a lot of work had gone behind their success. He was proud of the way they were playing.
"Credit goes to the team management and support staff (for working with players like Jaiswal) who work very hard at the academy. Lot of work has gone behind his success. Proud of the way he's playing," he said.
While the Chennai Super Kings may have lost the match against the Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni and his team will surely take the lessons learned from this match and use them to improve their performance in the upcoming matches. With Dhoni's vast experience and the talent of the players in the team, the Chennai Super Kings will surely bounce back in the IPL.
