IPL 2024: CSK coach says MS Dhoni’s knock ‘psychologically’ affected MI
MS Dhoni batting for CSK in IPL 2024 (Source: BCCI)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simons believes MS Dhoni's four-ball 20-run cameo in the final over had a psychological effect on Mumbai Indians during the season's first El Clasico at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (Apr 14).
CSK were nowhere near the 200-run mark on the flat Mumbai pitch but Dhoni, who walked out to bat after Daryl Mitchell was dismissed on the second ball of the over, managed to hit Hardik Panyda for a hattrick of sixes - effectively changing the tide of the match. The last ball yielded a couple and Dhoni signed off with a match-winning innings.
“Such an important thing is the psychological pressure you put an opposition in when you go into the break. You go to the changeroom and you have an over like that, it gives you massive momentum. They were looking to restrict us under 200 and suddenly they were facing 206 with an over like that. MS Dhoni continues to amaze us,” Simons said in the post-match press conference.
Simons heaped praise on the veteran saying Dhoni had been striking the white ball cleanly all throughout his stay with CSK, including the pre-season camp.
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“To go out there and hit the first ball like that for six and continue the way he did was exceptional. He has been batting exceptionally well in the nets all the way through, pre-season and into the tournament. It was just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment.”
The CSK coach revealed that owing to Dhoni's prowess in the death overs, the management used his batting template when planning for the bowlers who have the responsibility to finish the matches.
"We can test out our theories against him, and we know that we are going to do well,” Simons added.
CSK with the away win
CSK had been winless on the road so far in the tournament but the five-time champions came up with smart plans and managed to thwart MI in their den.
Despite posting a formidable target, MI were in the hunt with Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma collecting 63 runs in the first six overs. However, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad adjusted his gameplan with CSK bowlers forcing the MI batters to hit to the long side of the park.
The plan paid rich dividends as Matheesha Pathirana walked away with a four-fer which completely broke the middle order batting lineup of MI. Sharma waged a lone battle by hitting a valianteighth century of his T20 career but none of the other batters could step up and help him.
(With inputs from agencies)