MS Dhoni is leading Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier against Delhi Capitals. Batting first, Capitals scored a competitive 172/5 led by Prithvi Shaw’s 60 and skipper Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 51. Shimron Hetmye also scored an impressive 37 adding 83 run partnership. Dhoni meanwhile, had his moment with the umpire’s once again in a knockout contest. 

Meanwhile, in the 16th over of the Capitals innings, Shardul Thakur bowled a delivery way outside the off-stump to Rishabh Pant. It was quite near the wide line and umpire Richard Illingworth decided to call it wide, much to the disagreement of MSD.

While the time-out was on after the 16th was over, Dhoni used the time to talk to the umpires’ regarding the delivery. He tried asking the umpires why they wanted to call it a wide. He said that Pant was moving while Thakur bowled the delivery which is why the umpire’s were wrong in ruling it a wide. 

pic.twitter.com/Z9VKp821mM

— Sunaina Gosh (@Sunainagosh7) October 10, 2021

Delhi have beaten CSK twice in the league phase in this IPL season. This is Rishabh Pant’s first playoff match as the captain of the Delhi side. He said he was nervous at the toss and looking forward to the contest.

“Slightly nervous, but it’s part and parcel of the game. One change for us – Ripal Patel goes out, Tom Curran comes in. When you win games, the confidence level is high, but we’ll not take the match lightly” said Pant.

MS Dhoni’s CSK On 3-Match Losing Streak

MS Dhoni has played in numerous playoff games in the past and also won three titles as captain. He spoke about keeping the process simple having looked back at their three consecutive defeats heading into the playoffs.

“Whatever games we have played so far, the guys felt there was a bit of help for the seamers initially. It’s a tough wicket, not one that gets drastically better later on. We try to keep it simple, irrespective of any game. We analyse our shortcomings and it has helped us” said Dhoni.

---