Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has opened up on how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has a different approach when it comes to finishing off matches.
According to Watson growing up in Australia they were taught differently how to finish the game, while the star all-rounder who has also played under Dhoni for CSK and was part of the Men in Yellow when the side lifted the coveted trophy.
While Dhoni was in the limelight once again during the match against Rajasthan Royals recently, when the CSK skipper took the game deep and almost got his team over the line but in the end lost by 3 runs.
Shane Watson thinks this season will not be the last IPL for MS Dhoni-
“Growing up in Australia, we were always taught, you do everything you can to finish the game and not let it go into the last over if you possibly can.
“Whereas, MSD is like, ‘I’m going to take it deep into the last over, because there’s much more pressure on the bowler, so the deeper it goes, the more chances there are of him making mistakes,‘” said the former Australian cricketer.
A Captain who has stood the test of time…Unreal 200 only – @msdhoni @ChennaiIPL @IPL #Dhoni #IPL2023 #IPL pic.twitter.com/0XLFCDNNXo
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 13, 2023
In the 20th over, CSK’s star duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni were set with 24 & 18 runs respectively, the first two balls were declared extras as Sandeep was trying to bowl away from Dhoni’s arc, and then his deliveries went for two sixes courtesy MS Dhoni. The bowler, however, held his nerves and came ’round the wicket’ to succeed in his plan.
“MSD has done it so consistently but it’s a different approach compared to, again, growing up in Australia, what we’re taught to do,” he further added.
Watson was named the player of the tournament in the Indian Premier League (IPL) twice in 2008 and 2013 for RR and won the tournament twice in 2008 and 2018 ( CSK). However, he retired from all forms of cricket in 2020. During his time playing for Australia, the star all-rounder lifted the World Cup thrice in 2003, 07 and 15.
“I heard that this is the last IPL of MS Dhoni but I don’t think. MS Dhoni can continue to play for the next three to four years. He is still very fit and batting and wicket-keeping really well.
“His leadership is something that is as good as his game. His fitness and mind-reading of the game make him a good leader. His skills on the ground are awesome. He is one of the main reasons that CSK is successful,” Watson maintained.
Meanwhile, CSK has won and lost two games each, now for their fifth game of the season CSK will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Bengaluru on April 17.