Chennai Super Kings don’t tweak their team combination a lot.
Notably, CSK don’t tweak their team combination a lot, which is evident from the fact that they have used only 13 players in their first six games of IPL 2021.
“Last 8-10 years we’ve not changed lot of players so they know our approach. Also we appreciate the players not playing a lot. Only way you can put it forward is having those nice interactions. You might be feeling why a player is getting a lot chances, it’s natural. But we tell them you too will get your chance,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony after his team’s comprehensive 7-wicket win over SRH.
“Just try to have the faith and frame of mind where if you get the opportunity you’ll be ready. Keeping the dressing room atmosphere healthy is important. It’s not an easy thing. When you’re at the top level you want to play. Have to give extra credit to the players who’ve not played so far,” he added.
CSK are leading the points table with 5 wins from 6 matches this season, much different from the last edition in UAE, where they failed to qualify to the play-offs for the first time in IPL history.
According to Dhoni, addressing key issues in the playing XI early contributed to their success this year.
“Addressing the problem. Whenever you start the tournament, you may or may not face issues in playing XI. The earlier you settle the better. Another factor was 5-6 months we were out of cricket (in 2020). Nothing was allowed. It’s not that you could go on your own and practice. That also makes it difficult. Change of quarantine, it was slightly longer. Quite a few factors could have contributed to that.
“Overall if I have to sum it up nicely, the players have taken more responsibility this year. You will be facing adverse things but ultimately it boils down to how each individual rises to the occasion and gives the extra 10 percent for the team.”
Reflecting on the victory, Dhoni praised his openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (75 off 44 balls) and Faf du Plessis (56 off 38 balls) for their 129-run opening stand.
“The batting was superb. But that doesn’t mean the bowling was not good. It was a surprisingly good wicket. Whenever we come to Delhi we never expect a wicket like this. It was coming on nicely, there was nothing for the spinners as well. Good thing was there was no dew. Last night we felt some dew, thought 170 was just below par if there’s no dew. Brilliant opening partnership,” he remarked.
Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in their next game on Saturday (May 1).