IPL 2020: ‘We did small things right,’ said MS Dhoni on Chennai Super Kings victory


IPL 2020: ‘We did small things right,’ said MS Dhoni on Chennai Super Kings victory

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni CSK
CSK skipper MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings registered a massive victory of 10 wickets over Kings XI Punjab on Sunday. Chasing a tricky target of 179, CSK openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis remained unbeaten to clinch the game for their side. 

MS Dhoni’s persistence with Watson paid as the Aussie played a scintillating knock of 83* runs to win the ‘Player of the Match’ award. With this victory after three consecutive losses, Chennai climbed up to the sixth spot in the Points Table with four points. 

After this game, the skipper also appreciated his team’s efforts and hoped to continue with such performance in the coming games.

“I think we did the small things right. That’s what was important to us. The kind of start we got in batting, that’s what we needed. Hopefully, we’ll be able to replicate this in the coming games,” Dhoni said after the match.

Also Read | IPL 2020 KXIP vs CSK: Du Plessis Watson enough for KXIP as CSK cruise on for 10 wicket victory

Crediting coach Fleming’s consistency in selection, he continued: “He (Fleming) does get much credit for that. The good thing is we have one plan. It’s not that we don’t have debates, but it’s one plan, that’s the relationship between us.”

‘Watson and Faf backed themselves’

Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson

On being asked about the three on-trot losses, Dhoni revealed that thinking about them can add pressure to the side. He mentioned that the side needed the momentum with a victory in this game.

“I feel looking at the first 3-4 games, what you really think is you restrict them to as little as possible, and that can add pressure. Every team has furious hitters who can disrupt the bowling, and our bowlers did well. We needed momentum with the right kind of shots. Watto and Faf backed themselves with the shots they’re known for.”

He also mentioned that Watson’s early form didn’t trouble them as he was striking well in the nets.

“It’s not about being more aggressive. Watson was hitting it well in the nets and what you need is to do that in the middle. It was just a matter of time,” Dhoni concluded.

Also Read | IPL 2020: Shane Watson’s prediction tweet goes viral after CSK thrash KXIP by 10 wickets