IPL 2021: CSK have come back with a bang, Sunil Gavaskar lauds first finalists
Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar praised Ms. Dhoni’s confidence in her abilities after the Chennai Super Kings captain delivered a vintage match in the IPL 2021 1 qualifier against Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Sunday.
MS Dhoni took fans down the memory lane on Sunday, hitting a 6-ball 18 not out in CSK’s successful chase of 173. Dhoni promoted himself ahead of in-form Ravindra Jadeja when CSK needed 24 runs in the last two overs.
Dhoni did help raise eyebrows as he was not in the best of forms, struggling to middle the ball in the lead up to the IPL 2021 play-offs. However, on the big night, Dhoni got it right, beginning his innings with a huge six over mid-wicket in the 19th over bowled by Avesh Khan.
CSK lost Moeen Ali in the first delivery of the final over wherein they needed 13 runs. However, Dhoni maintained his cool, pulling off yet another spectacular finish and leading CSK to their 9th IPL final.
“Look at the responsibility. Jadeja has been hitting the ball a fair distance. But he came in, he promoted himself. As a captain, he wanted to be there at the finish. He wanted to do it. That is amazing. You could argue that this has not been the best of the seasons for him but look when it was needed, he has come out and delivered and delivered in style,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Dhoni’s former CSK teammate Matthew Hayden said he was elated to see the skipper finish the match on Sunday. However, he highlighted that young Rishabh Pant got his tactics wrong by not giving Kagiso Rabada the final over.
Tom Curran, who had picked up 3 wickets in his first 3 overs, was entrusted with the role of defending 13 runs in the final over but he ran into an inspired Dhoni in Dubai.
“Yeah, I am really happy. He has been magnificent. People have doubted the way that he has gone about it. No. 7 is a great number. Today he just finished in great style.
“Some tactical errors too from Rishabh Pant. Young captain. Having Rabada in the hut and bowling Curran at the stage to Dhoni is dangerous,” Hayden said, Gavaskar also lauded the effort that CSK and it’s management have put in reversing the fortunes from last season and making it to the final of IPL 2021.
Notably, CSK failed to reach the play-offs for the first time in their history in IPL 2020 as hardly anything went their way. However, despite not tinkering with the squad too much, CSK were able to right the wrongs and give themselves an opportunity at winning their 4th title.
“This is the franchise before last year every single time. When they did not qualify for the play-offs, that has to be an aberration because look at the way they have come back. CSk have come back with a bang. Look at the emotion, the fans are so heavily invested in this franchise,” Gavaskar said.
