Chennai Super Kings romped their way to the top slot on the points table after defeating SunRisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. MS Dhoni and co are maintaining their unbeaten streak after losing their first game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Both the teams started their second leg in Delhi yesterday.

After a forgettable campaign in 2020 in the United Arab Emirates, Dhoni’s brigade started afresh in the ongoing IPL. Last year, CSK failed to feature in the playoffs for the first time in the history of the IPL. Dhoni commented on what went wrong with them last year.

“There were a lot of factors,” stated MS Dhoni. “The earlier you settle (in the tournament), the better. The other factor was 5-6 months we were out of cricket. Nothing was allowed. It’s not that you could go on your own and practice. That also makes it difficult. Change of quarantine (this year made it better). It was slightly longer (last year). There were a lot of factors,” he said.

Credit to the players who have not played so far – MS Dhoni

Last night, Chennai Super Kings thumped Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets. For Hyderabad, the ground had changed, but their fortune remained the same. On the other hand, Chennai have roared back in the IPL 2021 and currently occupy the top spot in the points table.

“Overall if I have to sum it up, the players have taken more responsibility this year. You will be facing adverse things, but ultimately it boils down to how each individual rises to the occasion and gives the extra 10% for the team,” Dhoni said.

He also commented on using only 13 players in the IPL so far. MS Dhoni also spoke about the importance of keeping the atmosphere in the dressing room healthy and credited the players, who have not played so far for keeping the dressing room healthy.

“Last 8-10 years, we’ve not changed a lot of players, so the players know our approach. Also, we appreciate the players not playing a lot. The only way you can put it forward is by having those nice interactions. Just try to have a frame of mind where if you get the opportunity, you’ll be ready.”

“Keeping the dressing room atmosphere healthy is important. It’s not an easy thing. When you’re at the top level, you want to play. Have to give extra credit to the players who’ve not played so far,” added the skipper.

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