Chennai Super Kings (CSK) celebrated MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy with a memorable victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on Sunday (May 1). Dhoni & Co. won only their third win of the tournament as they sit on the 9th spot in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) points table.
With two wins in their first eight games of the season, Ravindra Jadeja decided to handover CSK’s captaincy back to Dhoni, who had led the franchise to four IPL titles. It was only two days before the start of the 2022 IPL that CSK announced Jadeja has replaced Dhoni as the captain for the upcoming season.
With the results not showing any signs of improving and the star all-rounder’s personal performances also on a decline, the franchise announced a chance in captaincy. The defending champions saw an immediate change in fortunes on Sunday. Following the victory over SRH, Dhoni gave an interesting post-match interview in which he opened up on a range of issues. The former Indian skipper revealed a ‘theory’ which he always tells his bowlers who get hit hit for three-four sixes in a row.
“When you score 200, it really comes down to 175-180 in 19 overs. It’s important to try something different as a bowler. I always told my bowlers, you may get hit for 4 sixes in an over, but the 2 balls that you save – ultimately in a high-scoring game – those are the 2 deliveries that will help you win the game.
“Because a lot of bowlers, after getting 3-4 sixes, they will be like let’s get done with it but that one boundary or even instead of sixes if you get hit for 2 fours that will help you in a game. I don’t know if they believe in my theory or not, but it really works,” said Dhoni in the post-match presentation.
In the same interview, the 40-year-old also revealed he had informed Jadeja last season that he will be captain for the 15th edition. CSK will be next seen in action when they face Wednesday (May 4) when they face Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore.
