Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings’ convincing win of seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Shastri lauded Dhoni for making excellent use of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner after MI had got off to a decent start in the PowerPlay overs.
The left-arm orthodox spinners were able to not only take regular wickets but also stemmed the flow of runs. Jadeja returned with figures of 3-20 whereas Santner took two wickets in his quota of four overs. The spin duo took five wickets between them and conceded only 48 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively.
MI could not make the most of their good start as CSK’s spinners kept taking wickets at regular intervals to put their team in front.
“MS Dhoni made excellent use of Santner and Jadeja against Mumbai Indians batters. He knew that on such wickets these two can turn the tide, and that is why he showed more confidence in them,” Ravi Shastri said while speaking to Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of the IPL.
On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the Player of the Match award for his fine spell of 3-20 in his quota of four overs. Jadeja accounted for Ishan Kishan, Cameron Green, and Tilak Varma.
The all-rounder said after the game, “When we were bowling, the odd ball was turning. So I and Mitch wanted to bowl in good areas because they have so many power-hitters. Every time we come here, the wicket plays differently – sometimes it is flat, and sometimes it is sticky. (On the partnership with Santner) We surely discuss, and whoever starts advises the other person on what lengths to bowl. We keep talking and advising each other.”
CSK will next face Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
