Cricket

IPL 2023: I told him to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and we’ll back you – MS Dhoni reveals conversation with Ajinkya Rahane

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has revealed his conversation with Ajinkya Rahane after they bested Mumbai Indians comprehensively by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Rahane was roped in for his base price of INR 50 lakhs in the IPL 2023 auction.

The flamboyant batter got a chance to make his CSK debut against the Rohit Sharma-led and he was able to make the most of his opportunity. Devon Conway was dismissed early in the run chase of 158 runs and Rahane was able to get going from the word go.

The right-hander, who has all the experience of playing at the Wankhede, scored a stylish knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls. Rahane took 23 runs in an over against young Arshad Khan and got to his fifty off just 19 balls, the fastest of the ongoing season. The veteran was able to put CSK in front in the run-chase with his blistering knock.

MS revealed he told Rahane to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and the team will back him.

Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “Me and Jinks spoke at the start of the season and I told him to play to his strengths, use your ability to manipulate the fields. I told him to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and we’ll back you. He batted well and he was not happy with the way he got out, that says it all. I think every game is important, you look at the problems in front of you and take it one step at a time, not look at the league table for now.”

On the other hand, Dhoni also showered praise on his spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner, who took five wickets among them. Jadeja returned with figures of 3-20 whereas Santner took two wickets in his quota of four overs.

In fact, CSK lost Deepak Chahar to injury after the first over he bowled but they were able to keep MI to a sub-par score.

Dhoni added, “Feels good. Not to forget we lost Deepak in the first over. He’s our new ball bowler and Magala playing his first match. The good thing is spinners bowled well. It was a bit two-paced after 7 overs, started turning. The spinners and the fast bowlers came back well. Magala was good and so was Pretorius. We believe in him, and when you’re new you are under pressure but playing in the IPL for a few years brings different pressure [on Deshpande]. He had a great domestic season, he is improving. He has a lot of potential but he can improve by not bowling those no-balls, and by being more consistent.”

CSK will next face Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024