IPL 2021: MS Dhoni's advice that helped CSK bowlers put a terrific performance against SRH

Although his batting prowess has waned over the years, MS Dhoni still remains one of the best captains of the game. Dhoni yet again was seen in his elements during his team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday (30 September) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The yellow army emerged victorious by six wickets and the cornerstone of the victory was their bowlers, who restricted the SRH batters to just 137.

Josh Hazlewood took three wickets and was well-supported by all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who picked up two wickets. With this emphatic victory over SRH, CSK have become the first team to secure a playoff berth. At the forefront of this tremendous revival and performance is Dhoni. During this season’s IPL, the CSK skipper has marshaled his bowlers well and has given them a clear role. The 40-year-old’s understanding of the game is second to none.

During the post-match presentation, Dhoni read the pitch in Sharjah perfectly and said, “The bounce of the wicket was different – instead of knee height, it was shin height, and once the batsman figured out that they have to hit straight, they succeeded.

“The bowlers tried to swing it upfront and got hit straight when they pitched it up too much, but then adjusted very well.”

MS Dhoni also said that he told the bowlers to exploit the conditions on offer against SRH. CSK bowlers certainly followed what their captain had told and were right on the money. They didn’t allow the SRH batters to run away with the game. “I told bowlers that they needed to exploit the conditions in today’s game. If the odd ball stopped early on, it started coming onto the bat later.”

We wanted to come back strong: MS Dhoni

After not making the playoffs for the first time in the 2020 edition of the IPL, Dhoni-led CSK have made a strong statement of sorts and have so far won nine games in the 11 matches they have played in IPL 2021. When Dhoni was quizzed about the turnaround he said the team was hungrier than ever to perform well.

“It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake,” Dhoni said.

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