Veteran South African Imran Tahir has helped Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) cause alongside skipper MS Dhoni to win their third match of the IPL 2019, on a trot. The star cricketer has hailed Dhoni for his remarkable strategy. Meanwhile, he has lived up to the billing by producing a remarkable spell with the ball in hand at Chepauk.
Dhoni’s presence speaks volumes about his character and Tahir reiterated he has lifted the morale of his teammates with his pragmatic approach.
On Sunday, CSK has won their third IPL fixture by eight runs while talking on Rajasthan Royals (RR). Dhoni slammed unbeaten match-winning knock of 46-ball 76 with the help of four sixes and as many fours.
So much so, he battered Jaydev Unadkat for 28 runs in the 20th over to power CSK to 175 for five.
IPL 2019: Imran Tahir heaps praise on MS Dhoni’s calmness –
The 40-year-old Tahir said he has great regard for veteran Dhoni. He added Dhoni has played a massive role during the pressure-cooker situation. And adding his temperament, Dhoni has helped his teammates to relish.
“You know Dhoni plays really well in these situations because like (Dwayne) Bravo he’s done this so many times, and that’s why he’s called Mr Cool. He works hard on his game plan. Even in practice sessions, he helps his team-mates. And we respect that,” Tahir told reporters at Chepauk.
Tahir who conceded 23 runs in his quota of four overs against Royals, has a backing of Dhoni. The prominent leg-spinner has bagged two wickets during a recent win.
During the post-match presentation, Tahir noticed that Dhoni isn’t talking much.
But he believes Dhoni has been an outstanding leader and above all a ‘great human’.
“The way he carries himself is just unreal. He won’t say much but he knows how to lift the team up. He is a great leader and a great human being,” Tahir said at the post-match press conference,” Tahir added.
On a pitch which received a lot of criticism too in the IPL opener between CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Tahir has expressed delighted in delivering for the team. He cited the bowling department has been in some good stead following pyrotechnics from Dhoni.
“I think as a bowling group we did really well. Even while batting, Mahi bhai played unbelievably well and set the tone for us. I’m just really happy with whatever we did as a team,” he told reporters after the match,” Tahir said.
On a surface which turned out to be unfavourable for the bowlers due to the excessive dew, Tahir revealed they’re left to practice with the wet ball.
“We have to prepare ourselves, we were not expecting that much dew. We have to practice with the wet ball going forward in the games,” Tahir stated.
IPL 2019: Imran Tahir and his purple run for the CSK –
The Purple Cap holder is aiming to make most of his experience in the impending games. He is keen to improve his fielding
“I am feeling very good, very proud. It was there (dew); I tried to use my experience. But the ball was really wet. It’s always nerves. The first match I dropped a catch, so didn’t want to repeat the mistake. Every catch is a difficult one,” Tahir concluded.
With CSK topping the points table of IPL 2019, they will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 3.