Visibly Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have missed the services of their skipper and veteran batsman MS Dhoni. The prominent cricketer is struggling from a stiff back which saw him warming the bench for CSK’s ninth match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 17. The star leg-spinner for SRH Rashid Khan is thinking on the similar lines that the yellow brigade has dearly missed the team leader in the playing XI. In the IPL 2019, the wrist spinner delivered somewhat according to the expectations.
Before losing the game by six wickets, CSK’s interim skipper Suresh Raina won the toss and opted to bat first. Well, it was an exciting sight to witness in a late evening game. Following a 79-run start from Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson, visitors crumbled under pressure to post 132 for five in 20 overs.
“Given the kind of start CSK had, we thought 170-plus was possible but we pulled it back really well as a bowling unit,” Rashid told Sportstar.
The hosts’ bowlers bowled exceedingly well apart from Rashid.
In response, hosts had a solid start as their openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow went on to slam a half-century each. Despite losing a couple of wickets, SRH overhauled the target in 16.5 overs.
Rashid Khan on MS Dhoni’s prominence:
Over the years, Dhoni has won games for India. His finishing prowess has earned him accolades apart from his shrewd role as a skipper. Since the past decade, his inclusion in the CSK set-up has paid rich dividends to the team.
While praising senior campaigner Dhoni, Rashid reiterated his aptitude sets him apart, and he is such kind of a player who is capable of helping his team to take the total anything beyond the 170-run mark.
“He is always known for this ability and take the team to scores of 170-plus consistently,” Rashid said.
Besides, Rashid who had bagged eight wickets in eight games.
Rashid revealed he is keen to stem the run flow. He added the batters are cautious in approach and the pitches offered for this season haven’t witnessed ball turning much for the spinners.
“I always target to be economical and bowl more dot balls. Definitely, the batsmen are more careful this season and the wickets too are different and not turning much,” Rashid added.
Owing to a rapid rise in the international fold, Rashid has emerged out as a strong contender in the different T20 leagues. While setting aside the toss factor, he believes aim should be to play your A game.
He remarked the hosts’ bowlers have bowled according to the strategy against CSK’s batters.
“Frankly, it doesn’t matter whether you bowl first or second. You should always bring the little things if you want to play good cricket. We bowled according to the plan for each of the batsmen,” Rashid revealed.
Pertinently, SRH worrying sign has been their middle-order. The failure has further spoiled the excellent work of Warner and Bairstow at the top. He maintained they need to play according to their strength and soak in the pressure-cooker situations.
“Middle order is a problem for every team. Yes, we need to step up, play positive and get out of the pressure,” Rashid stated.
Rashid Khan takes a leaf out of Imran Tahir’s book:
Rashid also enjoyed the way Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir celebrates the dismissal of a batsman. He added the veteran cricketer has been imparting his knowledge and they often discuss critical game situations.
“We always speak lot on what we have to do under pressure. He has been sharing his experience with me,” Rashid concluded.
With a recent win, SRH has moved to number five spot on the IPL 2019 points table. SRH will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.