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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by four wickets in first qualifier to advance to the final of Indian Premier League final (IPL) 2021. This will be CSK's ninth appearance in the final (3-time champions).
MS Dhoni played the role of the finisher to get his team over the line against DC. CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming explained in the post-match press conference why Dhoni was sent ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.
“There was a lot of chat. We spoke more in those 20 overs than we have for a long time. There was a lot of technical discussions and manoeuvring to try and work out how this was going to unfold. When the captain got looked in his eyes, he said ‘I’ll go’; it’s been well-documented the times that he has done that. Today was one of those. I ain’t holding him back, and we saw the result of that,” Fleming revealed what happened behind the scenes.
Dhoni-led CSK held their nerves again taking on the table-toppers in the qualifiers and reaching yet another final. Given their poor performance last season, this was a major turnaround for the guys in yellow. CSK's management should also be given credit for believing in their players.
For instance, we saw the team management sticking with Robin Uthappa despite the fact that he didn't have much of an impact in the two of matches he played. Uthappa repaid the favour by delivering when it mattered against DC.
Dhoni credited the entire team and support staff for his side's comeback this season.
“It's the full team (effort). It was tough when we didn't qualify last time. Emotions were quite high. Forget what has happened till now, we wanted to make the most of the 3-4 games left towards the end. A lot of our batters made the most of that period which is why I feel we have come back strongly this year. Credit goes to the support staff and everyone on the team. Without their character, you can't really come back like this," the 40-year-old said.
CSK will now face the winner of second qualifier in the final of IPL 2021 which will be played on October 15.
