RCB vs CSK: Mohammad Kaif accuses Virat Kohli's Bengaluru of not having enough experience to win pressure games

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has claimed that MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings know how to win crucial games in the crunch phases of IPL.

Mohammad Kaif said this in light of CSK gearing up to lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18th for their last IPL 2024 league game. This fixture at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium could also be MS Dhoni's final league match of his IPL career and that makes this tie even more exciting and important.

What did Mohammad Kaif say about CSK and MS Dhoni?

While speaking to Star Sports exclusively, Mohammad Kaif thoroughly highlighted CSK's ability to come out on top each time during the last stages. Kaif labeled the Super Kings as a big match team and they know exactly how to win games in the knockout phases of the tournament.

Mohammad Kaif then highlighted how Ravindra Jadeja was able to help CSK win their 5th IPL title last season by scoring 10 runs off the last 2 balls. The former India batter also backed MS Dhoni to bat more in the crunch phase when Chennai have no option other than winning all of their remaining matches.

Kaif wanted MS Dhoni to bat at a higher position also because the latter is currently in good form. That Dhoni's influence is so strong, other batters in the team get infected and end up scoring match-winning knocks during the knock-out rounds. This is what Kaif said about CSK being a solid side in the closing phases.

"CSK are a team for big matches and they know how to win knock-out matches. The last time they won the IPL in 2023, they were losing the final - 2 balls, 10 runs. It was almost over and [Ravindra] Jadeja hit four and six to win the match. Dhoni himself is in form this time with the bat, and whoever bats with him usually plays a match-winning knock, especially in a do-or-die game." - Mohammad Kaif said via Star Sports.

Kaif elaborates on Dhoni's playoff formula

Mohammad Kaif then elaborated on the game plan and the formula that MS Dhoni uses during the later stages of the tournament. Kaif stated that Dhoni asks his players to not panic, to stay in the moment, and to take a deep breath. Kaif called it an art that only the former India captain can pull off, as he has been throughout his career.

Kaif also claimed that MSD is vigilant during the game. Lastly, Mohammad Kaif backed CSK to claim victory over RCB all because of Dhoni's unmatched alertness and ability to commit fewer mistakes throughout the game.

"Dhoni's formula in crunch games is - don't panic, take a breath and only he has this art in crunch matches. Lots of IPL captains came, but Dhoni's alertness in the crucial moments of the game is unmatched. He makes very few mistakes, that's why they are a champion team. Because of this, CSK are favourites against RCB in the crucial league match." - Kaif concluded.