Chennai Super Kings skipper was mindful of his team’s inconsistency on the day but said it was still “enjoyable” to have seen his side keep Kolkata Knight Riders at bay and win Sunday’s IPL 2021 game in Abu Dhabi.
The victory further consolidated CSK’s top position in the points table with eight wins from 10 matches, a remarkable turnaround after last year’s disastrous first-round exit. But Dhoni, forever a realist, indicated beneath words that he wasn’t so pleased with his team’s iffy performance at different stages.
“It’s a nice victory to have. At times you play good cricket and you lose. It is enjoyable when you don’t do so well and still win. It was good cricket from both sides, and a pleasure for the spectators,”
the legendary skipper was quoted as saying at the post-match presentation ceremony.
CSK made an outstanding start to the game, reducing KKR to 70/3 inside the first 10 overs. But the three-time champions let the opposition get away and post a strong total of 171/6 by the end of the 20th over. CSK were in control with their pacers and spinners for most of the innings; however, they conceded a flurry of boundaries at the death. Ravindra Jadeja (1/21) and Shardul Thakur (2/20) were the pick of their bowlers, while the rest struggled to maintain pressure on KKR batters.
With the bat as well, CSK were well in command for three-quarters of the chase but lost their grip near the end. Ruturaj Gaikwad (40), Faf du Plessis (43) and Moeen Ali (32) batted brilliantly but CSK lost wickets at regular intervals to almost concede the match at the end. Thankfully from their perspective, Jadeja blasted a magnificent cameo of 26* off just eight balls under pressure to ensure a CSK victory by two wickets.
Jadeja, who had also bowled another excellent spell in the first half, was handed the ‘Player of the Match’ on the night for his all-round exploits and impact.
CSK next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday in Sharjah with the aim to confirm their ticket to the playoffs.
