IPL 2021: CSK Have A Slight Edge Over KKR Because Of MS Dhoni's Leadership - Sanjay Manjrekar

Cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said Chennai Super Kings will hold an edge against Kolkata Knight Riders because of the astute leadership of MS Dhoni.

Dhoni’s man-management skills is one of the reasons why CSK reached the IPL final despite having a poor season last year where they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

MS Dhoni is better at managing his weaknesses: Sanjay Manjrekar

CSK made it to their ninth appearance in IPL final after defeating Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 where Dhoni finished in his traditional style.

The CSK skipper tonked Avesh Khan for a six over mid-wicket before smashing three fours in a row against Tom Curran’s bowling in the final over.

Manjrekar said that Dhoni’s leadership is a standalone advantage for CSK and the 40-year-old skipper is better at fixing his weak spots.

“If I have to pick a winner, Chennai have a slight edge, only because of the leadership as Dhoni is better at managing his weaknesses and limitations than Morgan, who also has been a fantastic captain for Kolkata. But between the two, Dhoni much more adept in managing his resources and limitations,” Manjrekar said in a video uploaded on his official Instagram handle.

Dubai pitch will be more suited to CSK: Sanjay Manjrekar

Eoin Morgan’s KKR saw a massive turn around as they were placed at seventh position in the Indian leg of IPL 2021.

But the team bounced back on its way and won five of seven matches in UAE to make its way in the playoffs.

KKR knocked out RCB and DC in Sharjah to set up a title clash with CSK at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Manjrekar feels that KKR will have a challenging game in Dubai and said that CSK is more a suitable team on the given venue for the final.

“The pitch in Dubai will be more suited to Chennai. All the recent success for Kolkata have come on Sharjah pitches so when I look at that team, the only change that’s possible is if the pitch is really flat, they might look to get in Andre Russell and leave Shakib out,” Manjrekar said.

CSK have won three IPL titles where as KKR have bagged the trophy twice. KKR have never lost an IPL final.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Might Be As Mentor For CSK In IPL 2022, Asserts Aakash Chopra