 "MS Dhoni explains the key to staying relevant in IPL: ‘I have to adapt’")
MS Dhoni continues to be one of the biggest draws in the Indian Premier League (IPL) nearly six years since his last appearance in international cricket. ‘Captain Cool’ has been the face of the Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, and remains integral to the team’s operations on the ground as well as off it, even if he has passed on the baton of captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
And despite the fact that he will be turning 44 in a few months’ time, Dhoni’s reflexes remain sharp as ever – the evidence of which was there for the entire world to see when he got Suryakumar Yadav stumped off Noor Ahmad's bowling during CSK’s opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians in Chennai.
As for his skills with the bat, Dhoni doesn’t spend as much time at the crease as he used to in his 20s and 30s, but has transformed himself into a pinch hitter-cum-finisher whose job is to go slam-bang from ball one and to either end the innings on a high or guide his team over the line.
Speaking to JioStar, the official IPL broadcaster, after CSK's four-wicket victory over arch-rivals MI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Dhoni highlighted the need to adapt to the ever-changing modern game in order to stay relevant.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“…batsmen are now willing to take risks. They believe that with proper cricketing shots, they can play big strokes, and at the same time, they are improvising with their shot selection…whether it’s a reverse scoop against a fast bowler, a sweep, or a reverse sweep against a pacer.
“I am no different, I have to adapt as well. This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant,” Dhoni said.
“The way we played T20 in 2008 and the way we played IPL last year, it’s very different. Earlier, there was a lot of turn in the wickets. Wickets were two-paced. Now, India’s wickets have become much better; they are more batter-friendly,” he explained.
Dhoni explains his role in CSK since stepping down as captain
Dhoni also explained the reason behind the decision to name opener Gaikwad as the new captain following his decision to step down from the role ahead of the 17th season last year . ‘Thala’, who led CSK to five IPL titles, also opened up on his role within the team since quitting captaincy, denying speculation that he continued to call the shots in the team.
“Ruturaj has been part of us for quite some time. His temperament is very good, he’s very calm, very composed. So those were the reasons we considered him for leadership.
“Before the start of the tournament, I also told him, ‘If I give you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. I will try to stay away as much as possible.’ During the season, a lot of people speculated that I was making the decisions in the background,” Dhoni recalled.
“But the fact is, he was making 99 per cent of the decisions. The most important calls – bowling changes, field placements – were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players,” he added.
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