Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni returned in style as he guided his side to the top of the table in the clash of titans beating Delhi Capitals by 80 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Cameos from Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja along with a timely half-century from Suresh Raina helped them post 179 runs at the end of 20 overs. After a slow start, Suresh Raina and Faf du Plessis bailed the team before Raina started taking on the bowlers. However, after his dismissal, Jadeja (25 off 10 balls) and Dhoni (44 off 22 deliveries) took to a challenging total.
Meanwhile, the wicket played a good role, as the spinners rolled over the Delhi Capitals batting. Imran Tahir bagged four while Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh three and one wicket to bowl out Delhi for 99 runs, thus winning the match by 80 runs. MS Dhoni returned in style to lead his side to the winning ways. Along with his swashbuckling knock, he chipped in with mindblowing stumpings to seal the tie. Speaking about his knock, the Chennai skipper said that he just look at the ball and try to hit it.
“I watch the ball and hit the ball. I think by 20th over you are almost ready and you swing at everything. It’s easier for somebody who has played 10 or 15 deliveries than somebody who has just come in bat. I felt it would’ve been difficult for Rayudu to hit,” Dhoni said at the end of the match.
The wicket played good: Dhoni
MS Dhoni also admitted that the wicket remained the same over the course of the match. He also added the target they have set was more than average. Moreover, Dhoni added that it is fun to see Imran Tahir celebrate his wickets in his traditional way. The veteran South Africa spinner has been in good form in this season and is playing a significant part for the Chennai Super Kings in their title-defence.
We knew there won’t be much dew on the field. Once we started our innings of bowling, Bhajju Pa didn’t get much turn initially. But as they kept losing wickets, it slowed down a bit and the spinners got more turn. I felt it was a good wicket, 170-180 was a par-plus score. It’s great fun to watch him (Tahir) celebrate,” he added.
In conclusion, MS Dhoni admitted that he likes the nickname ‘Thala’ and how the people of Tamil Nadu have accepted him. He also thanked the Chennai Super Kings for turning up in huge numbers and supporting their team.
“I have always said it’s very special to get that kind of a nickname. It’s a big nickname that they have given me. It feels really special. I didn’t realize that it was part of the first CSK song. The way I got accepted and the whole of Tamil Nadu — don’t call my name, they call me ‘Thala’. It’s very nice and they have always supported not only me but the whole team,” Dhoni concluded.