IPL 2018: The Team Wants to Win the IPL Trophy for MS Dhoni Says Suresh Raina

There is no doubt about the fact that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings unit in the Indian Premier League. This year too it hasn’t been any different. Dhoni has revived his batting form quite brilliantly after a couple of below-par seasons for the Rising Pune Supergiant. While he scored 284 and 290 runs in the last two seasons, the year 2018 has been quite productive for Dhoni both as a batsman and a skipper. He has also been quite brilliant behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, he has smashed 455 runs in the ongoing edition of the IPL with a staggering strike rate of 150.66. His form has provided the much-needed assurance in the middle order for CSK. His leadership skills have also inspired CSK to their 7^th IPL final in 9 attempts. He has been quite superb in his decision making which sees CSK in the final yet again.

Suresh Raina who has been a part of the CSK unit since its inception gave the first-hand knowledge of Dhoni’s contribution to the franchise over the course of last 10 years. Hence the southpaw feels that the team needs to win the IPL trophy for the man himself.

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“He got quite emotional (when the team reached the final this time). He cares so much for Chennai; we all do. He has been amazing for CSK since 2008 and is one of the nicest guys around. So this time, we want to win the IPL for Dhoni,” Raina was quoted by the CSK website.

Raina while speaking on his performances said that despite getting criticised he answers them back with his performances. “He gets criticized so often and every time (he) answers his critics back through his performance. Sometimes you need to see it from an emotional side as well. We definitely have a team which can win it for MS this time. You need to do something (special) every time he turns up and that is the reason we want to win the IPL for Dhoni,” said Raina.

Most of the players in the Chennai squad is over 30. However, most of them are quite experienced cricketers and proven match winners. Raina said that it will stand them in good stead ahead of the final on Sunday against the winner of today’s Qualifier 2.

“I remember reading somewhere after the auction that Chennai team is a bunch of old guys. But it is all about experience and how well you use it. Our unit is very confident right now. This season we batted as a group. Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu gave us good starts and then myself, followed by MS have been doing well. So if you see our team is so experienced and has so many match winners in it. We haven’t won the title since 2011 so I really want to do it this time,” Raina said.

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