'He was definitely better than last year'- Ravi Shastri on MS Dhoni's decision to play IPL 2023
Dhoni confirmed at the toss against RR that he will be playing in IPL 2023.
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Chennai Super Kings suffered a five-wicket loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in their final IPL 2022 league game at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on May 20. However, it was CSK skipper MS Dhoni’s huge statement at the toss that grabbed headlines in this contest. The legendary cricketer made it clear that he would be playing in the league next season as well as he wants to acknowledge the Chennai fans.
Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has come forward and welcomed the veteran stumper’s move saying that the 40-year-old is fit enough to be in the Chennai Super Kings’ scheme of things next season. Giving further clarification on the same, the cricketer-turned-cricket pundit said that Dhoni’s individual performances were way better than last year. Dhoni scored 232 runs in 13 innings at an average of 33.14 and strike rate of 123.40 hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes.
I think he has enjoyed his cricket this season: Ravi Shastri
“There is no question about that. It’s good that they have made the announcement now, it cuts all the speculation, all the drama that goes behind it. He has one of the best leaders the country has ever produced, especially in white-ball cricket. The announcement must be heartening for the CSK fans more than anything else,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo.
“He was definitely better than last year, much more fluent. His fluency is back, there is a sense of purpose. He keeps striking it over the top, he has had no problems with power. He is an unbelievably fit bloke,” he added.
The 2011 World Cup-winning skipper scored 26 runs off 28 deliveries against the Royals that included a four and a six each and CSK posted 150/6 courtesy of Moeen Ali’s quickfire 57-ball 93. However, it was just not enough as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 59 and a match-winning unbeaten 40 runs from 23 balls from Ashwin at the backend of the second innings helped RR cross the finish line in the final over.
By the virtue of this win, Rajasthan made it to the playoffs for the first time after 2018 and would be facing Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 1 having finished second in the points table with a far superior net run rate as compared to the Lucknow Super Giants.
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