As Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, MS Dhoni’s last season, fans have flocked to the ground to catch a glimpse of arguably India’s most celebrated captain. Instead of a sea of blue, fans donned the yellow jersey at Delhi Capitals’ (DC) homeground Arun Jaitley Stadium. At the coin toss, Dhoni won the toss and the crowd cheered loudly. Amidst the deafening cheers, former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Danny Morrison resorted to sign language to ask if Dhoni wants to bat or field first. Morrison also used Hindi language as he said, “Aaram se, aaram se”.
Dhoni responded with sign language as well to convey his decision to bat first.
"We're playing the same XI, it's a balanced eleven and we don't need to make many changes. Day game, the pitch will also slow down as the match progresses, that's the reason we wanted to bat first. In a tournament like this, we'll have good and bad games, need to take the learnings from every game and that's want I want the youngsters in the team to learn," Dhoni said at the coin toss.
CSK's playoff chances
Morrison also asked about the qualification chances as he said, “Simply equation, you win and you are there. You are qualified, right?”
“We've been trying to win games right from the first game,” the 41-year-old replied with a smile.
Dhoni’s decision to bat first was expected as CSK needed to improve their net run rate (NRR) to finish top two and get direct entry into the qualifier.
The decision worked in CSK's favour as they posted a gigantic total of 223/3. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway’s 141-run opening partnership followed by cameos from Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube helped them crossed the 200-run mark.
Gaikwad scored 79 runs from 50 balls including three fours and seven sixes. On the other end, Conway scored 87 runs from 52 deliveries including 11 fours and three sixes.
“His knee isn't 100% at the moment (on MS Dhoni), so he's managing himself, coming in to bat in the last 2-3 overs. He isn't able to run as well as he did during his heydays, but he's doing things right and hitting the ball really well,” CSK batting coach Michael Hussey told the broadcasters after CSK’s innings.
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