IPL 2023: 'He's always Dhoni's first pick...' — AB de Villiers pins down one player who can literally turn matches for CSK

Cricketing icons AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa heaped praise on MS Dhoni's decision-making skills after Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

SportsTak

• Tue • 04 Apr 2023

Cricketing icons AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa heaped praise on MS Dhoni's decision-making skills after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) impressive win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday, April 4. Dhoni showed his class once again while Moeen Ali's exceptional bowling performance played a crucial role in their victory.

Speaking to JioCinema, the former South Africa captain applauded Dhoni's decision to use Moeen as his go-to man for wickets in pressure situations. Despite being of the opinion that maybe Ali should have been introduced into the attack earlier, he acknowledged that Dhoni is a master and always knows best.

"He’s always Dhoni’s first pick of man to go and pick up wickets under pressure. I thought he should’ve bowled a little earlier but MS the master and the guru, he always knows better,” said the RCB legend.

Meanwhile, Dhoni's former teammate Suresh Raina praised Moeen's ability to keep the ball away from the batters, especially against a player who can be as prolific as KL Rahul.

"Whenever he bowls, he keeps the ball away from the batter, and Mahi bhai knows this because KL Rahul is an important player for India and an important player in the IPL," he said.

Moeen's performance with the ball was critical in securing the victory for CSK. He took two wickets in his opening spell, which proved to be a game-changer. His ability to control the flow of runs and take wickets at crucial moments in the game ensured that he finished the game with four wickets, and his performance earned him praise.

Meanwhile, Dhoni showed his class yet again, smashing two back-to-back sixes off the bowling of Mark Wood in the final over of the innings. Speaking about his athleticism, Uthappa said, "At the age of 41, don't forget, at that age on the second delivery at a pace of 145-147 (kmph), hitting a six down square leg isn't easy, especially on one leg," said the former KKR and CSK batter who was impressed with Dhoni's display.