Highlights:
- MS Dhoni said he cannot guarantee performance, but can guarantee fitness
- Dhoni had said I could not guarantee performance when I was 24, I cannot guarantee it at 40 but I can guarantee my fitness
- CSK defeated RR by 45 runs in the 12th match of IPL 2021
- Dhoni said he likes to stay fit and match up to his younger teammates
On Monday night, skipper of Chennai Super Kings, Mahendra Singh Dhoni jokingly said that it is hard to “keep up” with the younger players in the squad but it will be a “big positive” for the 39-year-old if they are not able to point fingers at him over his fitness.
The 39 year old CSK skipper, who retired from international cricket last year, admitted that “getting old and being fit are two difficult things”.
“When you are playing, you don’t really want anyone to say he’s unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are very fast, it’s good to challenge them,” Dhoni said in the post-match interview as CSK beat Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in their IPL match.
Dhoni said, “Performances are something that’s guaranteed. I wasn’t guaranteeing performances when I was 24. I can’t guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can’t point finger at me that he’s unfit then that will be a big positive for me.”
Also Read: 10 Best Fantasy Cricket Apps With Amazing Prizes
Talking about the score put up by his side he said he was glad CSK could post a respectable score of more than 180, however, he pointed that CSK could have gotten more.
He said, “I felt Sam bowled really well. Deepak, there was a bit of miscalculation with the knuckle delivery. So I felt a good start was important. Even the wet ball was spinning.
“I don’t really mind Jos playing a reverse sweep. If the wet ball was turning then the chance of the dry ball turning is high.”
Dhoni said it felt good to have the 38 year old English cricketer Moeen Ali, who took three wickets from three overs giving away just seven runs, as the wicket was turning a bit and becoming more sticky.
“The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game,” said Dhoni
He said a lot has changed since last year when they finished seventh out of eight teams.
Even Ravindra Jadeja played a vital role in CSK’s win as he sent the in-form and danger man Jos Buttler in the 11th over of the game by bowling him out. Not only this, Jadeja was part of 5 other wickets in the game, 4 catches and also taking wicket of Shivan Dube as lbw in the same over.
Dhoni said, “The way we have prepared. The bowlers have been under the pump last year also, so they’re used to the conditions.”
Also Read: 15 Best IPL Matches Ever
Sanju Samson, skipper of the losing side – Rajasthan Royals – said he thought it was a good score to chase down but his side lost too many wickets in the middle overs in quite a succession. At one point RR lost 4 wickets after scoring 5 runs in 2 overs.
Samson said, “Our bowlers bowled really well, they batted too deep. 10-15 runs extra we gave down the line. We lost the match but there are a lot of positives.
“The dew didn’t come and the ball was still turning, so it was a bit shocking to see.”
Samson also said, “It’s important to maintain good composure, this format demands us to score at a higher risk rate, so it’s very normal to get out often. I keep working on the basics and giving myself some time at the center.”