Chennai: Chennai Super Kings have won the first win in the 16th season of the Indian Premier League. MS Dhoni and his team defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 12 runs. After losing to Gujarat Titans in the first match, CSK got a thrilling win in the second match. Lucknow looked to mount a strong challenge to CSK on a run-filled pitch.
Batting first, CSK scored 217 runs for the loss of seven wickets, while Lucknow, who came in reply, managed to score 205 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The batting of Ruthuraj Gaikwad (57), Devon Conway (47) and Moeen Ali’s four-wicket performance was the strength of CSK’s victory.
MS Dhoni’s batting performance as the captain was decisive. Dhoni hit the first two balls he faced and played a decisive role in the team’s victory. It is interesting that CSK won by 12 runs scored by Dhoni. But as a captain, Dhoni made some mistakes in the first two matches. Let’s know about some of the mistakes that Dhoni makes which can be crucial in the team’s progress.
The first mistake was the use of Ben Stokes. England pace all-rounder Ben Stokes is the player who was brought to the CSK team with great expectations. But the star has failed in the first two matches. Stokes scored eight runs off eight balls in the fifth over against Lucknow. They conceded 18 runs after bowling each other. The CSK skipper makes a mistake in using Stokes.
Stokes is a player who should be tested in the opening without CSK playing in the middle order. Stokes, who was brilliant in opening for Rajasthan Royals, can repeat the same feat for CSK. And if Stokes is used in the new ball, he can make more gains. Can also try for death overs. It is better to try on new ball as four over stocks are not bowled.
Another problem is MS Dhoni’s batting order. Dhoni currently bats at number eight. Dhoni has had enough of international cricket in 2020 but is still in top form. Therefore, Dhoni should bat at least at number six. Ravindra Jadeja is not showing great form in batting. In this situation, Dhoni should go into bat at least before Jadeja.
Dhoni also errs in using Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja’s batting order will change according to the situation. But Dhoni is not able to use Jadeja effectively in bowling. Jadeja got a chance to bowl only one over against Lucknow. The player conceded 14 runs and did not take a single wicket. Dhoni tested Jadeja late on despite the support of the spinners on the pitch.
Jadeja needs to be nurtured with more support as a crucial player for CSK. But this time Dhoni is not showing much interest in Jadeja. One of the highlights of MS Dhoni’s captaincy is the support given to the young players. Dhoni’s decision to back Tusshar Deshapande as an impact player is commendable.
Despite conceding runs, Deshpande is able to win the match by taking crucial wickets. Ruthuraj Gaik Vaad was a flop in the first few seasons. But after getting great support, he became a superstar. It can be said that Deshapande is one of the stars who can grow to the same level.