Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have given the vintage MS Dhoni a freehand to go out and express himself in his usual finisher's role in the IPL 2024, according to KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. With Dhoni nearing 43, CSK's strategy is to maximise Dhoni's impact in the crucial death overs. This explains Dhoni's aggressive approach, evident in his strike rate of 229.17 and his unbeaten run so far in the playoffs. Gambhir suggests CSK is utilizing Dhoni as a finisher, allowing him to explode from the start instead of building an innings traditionally. This tactic aims to capitalise on Dhoni's power-hitting prowess during the high-pressure final stages.
Gautam Gambhir on CSK's 'Dhoni' strategy
Meanwhile, during a conversation with Sportskeeda, Gautam Gambhir said that it's CSK's strategy to give Dhoni the freedom as a finisher.
"It is a strategy of CSK (Dhoni facing just 8-10 balls) and that has given Dhoni the freedom. Different teams have different strategies and CSK has done this for the past 2-3 years. The freedom has allowed Dhoni to have an impact. Gambhir said in an interaction with Sportskeeda.
“When you play 20-25 balls you have that responsibility to consolidate, but when it's just 8-10 balls you can go out there and express yourself with freedom," Gambhir added.
In 2012 and 2014, Gambhir guided the Knights to victory before leaving the team after the 2015 season. Returning to KKR as a mentor, Gambhir has effectively performed his duties, positioning the team well within the top half of the standings. The experienced player has stressed the significance of creating a positive team environment.
"I feel insecurity is the biggest reason for a player's failure. It's not about ability. If you don't have the ability you won't reach the first-class, IPL, or international level in the first place. So it is important to have a secure dressing room. A secure dressing room is a happy dressing room, and it eventually becomes a winning dressing room," Gambhir concluded.
So far in IPL 2024, Dhoni has scored 110 runs with an average of 110 in 10 matches. The former India skipper has been striking balls with a whopping strike rate of 229.17 in IPL 2024. Notably Dhoni remained unbeaten in the IPL 2024 until he got run out in Chennai Super Kings' losing cause against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 1. CSK suffered a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of PBKS to sit at fourth place in the IPL 2024's points table.
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