IPL 2020: It Was One Game That Was As Close To Being Perfect: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is a relieved man after Chennai Super Kings beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to return to winning ways. The three-time champions beat SRH by 20 runs to register their third win in eight games this season.

Batting first for the first time in IPL 2020, CSK put up a challenging total of 167 for 6 in the allotted 20 overs. Sam Curran, who was promoted as an opener for the first time, played a quick knock of 31 to give the side the early impetus. Shane Watson top-scored with 42 while Ambati Rayudu scored 41 as the duo shared an 81-run stand.

MS Dhoni (21 off 13) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 off 10) then played fine cameos to ensure CSK put up a challenging total. For SRH, Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers. He conceded only 19 runs off his four overs while taking two wickets. Khaleel Ahmed and T Natarajan picked up two wickets each too.

In reply, SRH finished on 147 for 8. Barring Kane Williamson, no other player could play a substantial knock with the bat. The former SRH skipper scored a fighting 57 but lack of support from the other end meant his knock went in vain.

MS Dhoni’s reaction:

Speaking at the end of the match, MS Dhoni said the game was pretty much a perfect game from his side. He was all praise for the way the CSK pacers and spinners performed to defend the total. He also had a word of praise for the batsmen’s intentful displays.

“Ultimately what really matters is you getting two points. What T20s have shown is that there are a few games that don’t go your way and then there are some that go your way even when you haven’t earned it. Today I felt we did a very good job even in the batting.

“There was some purpose with the bat and the batsmen assessed the situation very well. With a total like 160, it all depends on the start you get in the first six overs. The fast bowlers did the job, the spinners came into play and it was one game that was as close to being perfect,” said MS Dhoni.

“It was a par score and I usually assess scores after the first six overs. If there are misfields in the first six overs then a par score becomes an under par score. A lot depended on the fast bowlers. I just told them to be expressive on the field and hit their areas. There are some two paced balls, some swing and some don’t swing, some get extra bounce. What was needed was good execution of the plans and that was done by the fast bowlers,” he added.

Also Read: Catch Of The Year? Watch As Mohammad Rizwan Takes Outrageous Catch Without Wicketkeeping Gloves

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Reacts After T Natarajan Achieves His Goal Of Dismissing MS Dhoni