Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni has opined that the team did all the small things right in their match against KXIP which led to their win. This victory comes as a breather for CSK after their three consecutive losses in the IPL 2020. In their match last night, KXIP had won the toss and chosen to bat first, at the Dubai International stadium.
KL Rahul went and scored 63 runs and was the highest run-getter for KXIP. They set up a target of 179 for CSK, which openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis got to with ease. A stunning unbeaten knock from Shane Watson (83) and Faf du Plessis (87) took CSK to the target of 179 with 14 balls left. CSK won the match by 10 wickets.
I think we did the small things right. That’s what was important to us: MS Dhoni on CSK’s win
The skipper was impressed by his team’s performance and said that he felt they did every little thing in the game right, which made the difference. Dhoni also said that the batting start was what they have needed and hopes to see more such performances in the matches ahead. MS Dhoni was all praises for Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson and said the duo complement each other.
“I think we did the small things right. That’s what was important to us. The kind of start we got in batting, that’s what we needed. Hopefully we’ll be able to replicate this in the coming games,” Dhoni said in the post match presentation.
“It’s not about being more aggressive. He was hitting it well in the nets and what you need is to do that in the middle. It was just a matter of time. Faf is like a sheet anchor for us, keeps playing those shots in the middle. He can always confuse the bowler with the lap shots and all coming in. They complement each other.”
Stephen Fleming deserves much credit for the team selection: MS Dhoni
MSD stated that the credits for team selection are much deserved by head coach Stephen Fleming. He also said they have one single plan that they work with, although there also are debates in the team.
“He (Fleming) deserves much credit for that. The good thing is we have one plan. It’s not that we don’t have debates, but it’s one plan, that’s the relationship between us.”
Dhoni said that observing any team at their performance, in the beginning, can restrict the observer’s perspective and can add pressure on the team. He said the bowlers did well for the team and Watson and du Plessis showed their best.
“I feel looking at the first 3-4 games, what you really think is you restrict them to as little as possible and that can add pressure. Every team has a furious hitter who can disrupt the bowling and our bowlers did well. We needed momentum with the right kind of shots. Watto and Faf backed themselves with the shots they’re known for.”
CSK now maintained the sixth spot on the IPL points table with two wins in five matches. They will next play KKR on October 7 at the Dubai International Stadium.