Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has shared the experience of sharing the crease with MS Dhoni during CSK’s 91-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 55th match of the ongoing IPL 2022 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday (May 8).
Bravo batted in the final over of the CSK innings and faced a hat-trick ball against Anrich Nortje. However, the West Indian took a single off that delivery to deny Nortje the hat-trick and give the strike back to Dhoni.
Later, Bravo had to dive to complete make his ground after Dhoni asked him for a double, with the veteran all-rounder gasping for breath at the end of the innings.
Well, CSK managed to post 208 on the board and later restricted the DC to 117 runs inside 18 overs to win the match by 91 runs on Sunday. After the match, Bravo revealed that he was worried about his hamstrings after Dhoni pushed him to run for two against the DC.
Bravo told the official broadcasters: “Well, for me it was a hat-trick ball. I wanted to make sure I get him on strike. I told him to hit boundaries, not push me for twos. I told him after the innings ‘MS, 3 balls to again (if such a situation comes again), let someone else go and run because I have to protect my hamstring’. But if felt good to be batting with a great.”
He added, “I thought it was a great professional team display, it started with Rutu and Conway. The way they set up the game with their batting (Was good) and then we finished off with the ball as well. Every game we play, we have to play like professionals and look to dominate.”
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old has been in fine form with the ball in the ongoing IPL 2022, picking up 16 wickets in just 9 matches for CSK. Speaking on how he maintains his fitness and keeps himself fresh, Bravo said that he makes sure he doesn’t overwork while training.
The all-rounder stated: “I am still feeling fresh. I don’t allow my age to dictate how I play. I try to look after my body, and try not to overwork myself. Do a lot of massages, gym work, and recovery as well. I do what it takes to keep me in the park, I know my experience will get me through. So I try not to over-bowl in practice sessions. Just try to execute right with yorkers and variations. I am feeling good, I am happy to be competing with the young generation and the new stars in the IPL.”
After a thumping 91-run win over DC, CSK moved to the 8th spot on the IPL 2022 points table, but still, they have fewer chances of making the play-offs, and Bravo said that they aren’t focusing on the scenarios. CSK will next face MI on May 12.
