IPL 2021: Gautam Gambhir Credits MS Dhoni For Persisting With Robin Uthappa Despite Failures

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, MS Dhoni, for persisting with experienced campaigner, Robin Uthappa, despite initial failures. Uthappa came good against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Qualifier 1 that was held on Sunday in Dubai.

With the bat, Uthappa guided the CSK run chase and made 63 off 44 balls to put his side in a healthy position. The franchise stuttered in the middle-overs but a vintage Dhoni turned back the clock to score the finishing runs off Tom Curran in style.

“You have to give credit to MS Dhoni that he continued with Robin Uthappa. He could have easily been tempted to go for Suresh Raina. When you persist with a player, he will eventually come good if he has the ability, and Robin has the ability,” Gambhir said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.

Dhoni used Uthappa at No.3 and he has got the fruits – Gautam Gambhir

Back when Robin Uthappa was in fine form for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he used to primarily open the innings. That was the position where he performed the best. Recognizing that, Dhoni promoted him up the order to No.3 and earned rich dividends as a result.

“He (Robin) has shown it in the past. And, probably he likes batting at the Top 3, and before this, he actually has not batted at No.3, he has batted at No.4, so probably this is where he likes it, and recognizing and sending him at No.3 was equally important. MS has used Moeen Ali at No.3, and today he used Robin Uthappa, and he has got the fruits,” Gambhir added.

CSK defeated DC by 4 wickets in a tense finish to the Qualifier 1 and reached their 9th IPL final. DC moves into Qualifier 2 where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between KKR and RCB.

Also Read – IPL 2021: If You Think Too Much While Batting Then You Mess Plans Up – MS Dhoni After Scoring The Winning Runs Against DC