IPL 2018: Faf du Plessis Has Been Brilliant - MS Dhoni

It turned out to be another thrilling night for the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Faf du Plessis made it count and snatched a win from the jaws of defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing a modest 140 to win, the yellow brigade goofed up their game and got restricted to 92/7 at one stage.

Two of Chennai’s most consistent batters, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu failed to open their account. MS Dhoni, their skipper, was undone by a googly from Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner ended his spell with figures of 2/11. Pacers Sandeep Sharma and Siddarth Kaul shared four wickets among themselves.

“Always happy when we win. Being in the top two gives you that liberty to have one more game,” Dhoni says.

“If we would’ve lost, you still give yourself a second chance. They bowled very well, and there was a bit for the fast bowlers. Bhuvi bowled well, backed up well by Rashid. We kept losing wickets, and so we had to push ourselves. Losing three-four wickets in the middle always puts you on pressure. Plus, they have a mystery bowler.”

MS Dhoni on shuffling the bowling pack

The skipper spoke on the strategies surrounding the bowling pack. Deepak Chahar’s four overs were bowled before the slogs while a few changes here and there kept the lions in the game.

“It’s good to win a game like this, but what’s more important, is knowing how we can improve. Our bowling combination is the best we have, and from the beginning, I’ve been using different players at different stages to test them. You have to keep shuffling to know who can do what for you, and at what time. It may hurt you sometimes, and the best bowlers are playing these games.” Dhoni said.

On Faf’s brilliant match-winning knock, Dhoni said it was all about the experience he carries. The Proteas skipper didn’t fire in the previous games but stepped up his game when it mattered the most.

“Faf’s innings is where experience counts. It’s not easy to not play a lot of games, but I always say you need to train your mind as well. That’s where the experience comes in. You visualise what your role is, how you can contribute, and Faf has been brilliant” he said.