During the Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, Gujarat Titans’ 173-run chase was hidden thanks to the management of his bowling unit and the creation of fielding positions by Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni. Whilst Dhoni referred to himself as a “annoying captain,” the cricketing community once more deferred to his wisdom.
Even retired Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt was brimming with admiration for the CSK captain as supporters praised Dhoni’s brilliance, particularly in planning the firing of Hardik Pandya.
What and absolute genius @msdhoni is . Absolutely world class tactician.
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) May 23, 2023
“What and absolute genius @msdhoni is. Absolutely world class tactician,” Butt wrote via Twitter.
Ruturaj Gaikwad stole the show using his bat as he laid the foundation with a spectacular 60 (44). After that, Ambati Rayudu (17 off 9) and Ravindra Jadeja scored (22 off 16) both scored quickly to give CSK a key final touch and bring the score to a respectable 172/7.
Then, using a combination of spin, pace, and bounce, Ravindra Jadeja (2/18) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/28) created a web surrounding the GT hitters to help CSK bowling GT out for 157 and advance to their 10th IPL final.
After finishing last in the previous edition, CSK have produced an outstanding turnaround to go all the way to the finals. In fact it was for the first time that MS Dhoni’s side won a match against Gujarat Titans and there could not have been a better occasion than this.
After the match, MS Dhoni was asked about his future and to that he said – “I do not know, I have eight to nine months to decide, the small auction may be around December, so why take that headache right now? I have ample time to decide.” – said MS Dhoni after the match.
