The three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered a really good 4-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Qualifier 1 on Sunday (10 October) to straight away get into the final of this ongoing IPL 2021.
CSK skipper MS Dhoni showed signs of vintage Dhoni as he finished the game for his side when they needed 12 runs off the final over. The former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded the Ranchi-based wicket-keeper batter for his confidence in his abilities to get his team over the line.
“Look at the responsibility. Jadeja has been hitting the ball a fair distance. But he came in, he promoted himself. As a captain, he wanted to be there at the finish. He wanted to do it. That is amazing. You could argue that this has not been the best of the seasons for him but look when it was needed, he has come out and delivered and delivered in style,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
IPL 2021: "My innings was a crucial one," says MS Dhoni after his match-winning cameo
The former Australia and CSK cricketer Matthew Hayden on the other hand hailed Dhoni for coming back in form as well as pointed out some tactical blunders on Rishabh Pant’s part that cost them the game.
“Yeah, I am really happy. He has been magnificent. People have doubted the way that he has gone about it. No. 7 is a great number. Today he just finished in great style,” Hayden said.
“Some tactical errors too from Rishabh Pant. Young captain. Having Rabada in the hut and bowling Curran at the stage to Dhoni is dangerous,” he added.
The former India skipper Gavaskar then pointed out how CSK has come back strongly as they failed to qualify for playoffs for the first time in IPL 2020 and now find themselves eying their fourth IPL title.
“This is the franchise before last year every single time. When they did not qualify for the play-offs, that has to be an aberration because look at the way they have come back. CSK has come back with a bang. Look at the emotion, the fans are so heavily invested in this franchise,” Mumbai-based cricketer signed off.
