Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni gave gratitude to Kolkata crowd after their big win of 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. The crowd turned up in Yellow, in what could be Dhoni’s swansong at the venue.
Dhoni is known to get a huge standing ovation wherever he plays and Sunday night was nothing different. Meanwhile, CSK posted a brobdingnagian score of 235 runs on the board after Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube scored brilliant fifties.
Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad added 73 runs for the opening alliance and Ajinkya Rahane was once again able to hit the ground running as he continued to impress. Conway scored 56 runs from 40 balls whereas Rahane finished with an unbeaten 29-ball 71. Dube also made great use of the long handle as he smashed 21-ball 50.
In response, KKR could only manage 186-8 as they could not catch up with the required run rate. Jason Roy scored 61 runs from 26 balls whereas Rinku Singh scored 53 runs from 33 balls but none of the other KKR batters could get going.
MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd. Fast bowlers are doing their job, so are spinners in the middle. The wicket was short on one side so we needed to get early wickets and keep the pressure. They have plenty of power hitters, so we had to give the respect to the opposition. I have a clear funda, if someone is injured he can’t do anything. You just move on and motivate the youngsters to perform. We have been fortunate that all the guys coming in are performing.”
Dhoni also showered praise on Ajinkya Rahane, who has been seen in an improved version of himself as a T20 batter. Rahane has been starting his innings in the topmost gear and he has delivered for CSK.
Dhoni added, “We realise the potential of someone when we allow him to bat the way he bats. We give him the freedom, give him the best position. In a team environment, someone has to sacrifice his slot to allow the others to get more comfortable, and allow the team to succeed.”
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Rajasthan Royals on Thursday at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur.
