Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, MS Dhoni, got another opportunity to prove that he still has something to offer with the bat as his side suffered a sort of mini-collapse in the middle-orders against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday. Dhoni took his time, as usual, to get set but once again failed to accelerate the scoring rate and ended up being dismissed on a 17-ball 18.
Though CSK failed to put up a total in excess of 200, their lower middle-order somehow took them beyond the 185-run mark (188-9). Later, their bowlers upped the ante to produce an impressive 45-run victory for the Super Kings against Sanju Samson-led side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match number 12.
Dhoni, speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, admitted that he isn’t expecting himself to deliver at the age of 40 especially considering that he never promised superlative performances when he was 24 years of age.
“I thought we could have got more. The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game,” Dhoni said after the match. “It’s true but when you’re playing, you don’t really want anyone to say he’s unfit. Performance is something that is not guaranteed.. I was not guaranteeing performances when I was 24, can’t guarantee when I am 40.
What is important for Dhoni in these times is the fact that he is still fit and can keep up with the younger players. This aspect is one where the legendary wicket-keeper batsman doesn’t want any fingers raising against him.
“At least, if people can’t point fingers at me, saying he’s unfit, that will be a big positive for me. I have to keep up with the younger guys, They run a lot, they are very fast, it’s good to challenge them,” he added.
