Always happy to contribute to the team’s victory – MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings’ captain MS Dhoni played a crucial role in his team’s 27-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in their recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Dhoni expressed his satisfaction at his personal performance, stating his role is to hit a few balls and contribute to the team’s total whenever he gets the chance.

This win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was powered by both Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s strong performances and Matheesha Pathirana’s taking of three wickets. Dhoni further commented on the spinners’ usage of the seam more than other bowlers and how he wanted them to bowl their best deliveries without hunting for wickets specifically.

It turned a lot in the second half. Our spinners use the seam more than other bowlers. I wanted the bowlers to bowl their best deliveries but not go looking for wickets. We can still do better as a batting unit. There were a few shots you are better off avoiding on this pitch. There were a couple where the execution was not right; we can live with that. Good thing is, Moeen and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) got to bat. As we get closer to the last phase, everyone has a few deliveries under their belt. My job is to hit a few deliveries. Do not make me run a lot. Happy to contribute whatever deliveries I am getting. That is how I am practising as well.

In the 2023 IPL, Dhoni has been batting lower down the order and has managed to score 96 runs in eight innings with an average of 48.00. He’s only been out twice this season and his top score has been 32 not out. He has hit three fours and 10 sixes, boasting a strike rate of 204.25.

CSK chose to bat first, scoring a decent total of 167/8 in their 20 overs. None of the batsmen could cross the 30-run mark, but valuable contributions came from various players including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayadu, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dhoni himself.

The DC’s chase of 168 started poorly with the top order collapsing early, and despite a 59-run partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Manish Pandey, and a short burst from Axar Patel, they couldn’t keep up with the required run rate, eventually losing the match by 27 runs.

Pathirana was the standout bowler for CSK, with Deepak Chahar also contributing significantly. Jadeja was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his overall performance.

This victory places CSK second in the league standings with seven wins and four losses, totaling 15 points on the IPL points table. DC, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the table with four wins and seven losses, holding only eight points.