MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who had failed to qualify for playoff in last year’s edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) for the first time in IPL history have managed to turn things around this year by becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2021.
The former India cricketer Aakash Chopra was extremely impressed with the way CSK have bounced back and lauded the team as well as MS Dhoni’s leadership in his latest YouTube video.
“You can make MS Dhoni the HR head of a company on how to handle the human resources. He likes experience a lot, they take experienced players mostly and rarely play a punt on youngsters. When they pick the experienced players, they don't trouble them and allow them to play,” Chopra said in his YouTube video.
IPL 2021: WATCH - "I'm glad we have repaid their faith," Dhoni thanks fans after entering playoffs
The cricketer-turned-commentator then pointed out the way CSK have stuck to their players and have held back from making changes to their side which seems to be working for the Chennai-based franchise.
“I will just manage your workload and your injuries, other than that I will not say anything, that's what Dhoni is, that's what Dhoni does.
They kept on playing Josh Hazlewood, he had not taken wickets, but they knew that extra pace is required. They played Bravo in this match instead of Sam Curran because there is a difference seen in Bravo's bowling,” the 43-year-old said.
Australia’s Josh Hazlewood didn’t have wickets under his belt in this ongoing UAE-leg of IPL 2021 but the right-arm quick bagged the Player of the Match award for his 3-24 in his 4 overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday (30 September).
The ex-India batter Aakash Chopra then acknowledged that CSK qualifying for playoffs stage has been a surprising for him especially following a dismal IPL 2020 season where MS Dhoni and Co. were languishing at the bottom of the table.
IPL 2021: WATCH - MS Dhoni takes CSK into the playoffs with a vintage shot for six
“To be very honest, I had thought that considering the season you had in 2020 and there was no mega auction, there were not many changes, this team will not qualify, that's what I had thought. But Dhoni's team are the first team to qualify,” right-handed Chopra said.
“Normalcy has resumed, you did not qualify last year, which happened for the first time, there are no big changes. You play your first five encounters at the Wankhede and despite that, you are through, take a bow Chennai Super Kings. They are a very smart franchise,” he concluded.
CSK will be back out there on the field as they take on Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday (2 October) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
