Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was awestruck at the massive support that he received during his team's impressive 49-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at their historic home ground the Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 23.
He thanked the massive support for him and his team and believes that in their next game at home (against Gujarat Titans), the Eden Gardens will witness the familiar purple hue but Sunday was about 'his farewell', in what could be his last appearance on the hallowed turf.
Having first stepped on this iconic ground as a teenager playing Ranji Trophy for Bihar, Kolkata's favourite son-in-law has a manic fan base as one saw Eden Gardens filled with the yellow jersey of CSK, anticipating that they might not see the special man again.
"I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd," Dhoni kept it open-ended even as he took a picture with all groundsmen, one last time.
The former India skipper was also all praise for his bowlers as they executed the plans well despite the boundary being short on one side. "Fast bowlers are doing their job, and so are spinners in the middle. The wicket was short on one side so we needed to get early wickets and keep the pressure. They have plenty of power hitters, so we had to give respect to the opposition."
He also had nothing but words of adulation for Ajinkya Rahane, whose form in T20 cricket after joining CSK has sky rocketed. Dhoni feels that he has been given complete freedom to operate in the manner he wants to and the results are there for all to see.
"We realise the potential of someone when we allow him to bat the way he bats. We give him freedom, give him the best position. In a team environment, someone has to sacrifice his slot to allow others to get more comfortable, and allow the team to succeed," he explained.
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(With PTI Inputs)
