Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday said skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (in pic) doesn’t have any preconceived notions and goes into the game blank and just operates on his instincts as to who is bowling well and how the wicket is behaving. CSK marched to the top of the Indian Premier league (IPl) points table with a comfortable 97-run victory over Kings XI Punjab here on Saturday night.
Spinners Ashwin (2/14) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/22) were at their peaks, snaring crucial wickets to set their team on its way to a comprehensive victory. They were well supported by veteran pacer Ashish Nehra (2/16). “MS is someone who bells the cat as it goes around. He doesn’t have any preconceived notions and goes into the game very blank. Once he’s there, he operates on his instincts as to who is bowling well and how the wicket is behaving,” Ashwin was quoted by iplt20.com.
“He has managed some good overseas bowlers in the past as well, the likes of (Muttiah) Muralitharan, (Doug) Bollinger and (Ben) Hilfenhaus. So, I don’t think it makes much difference to him. But as an Indian bowler it definitely makes a difference to have an Indian captain. It makes you more comfortable and confident coming in.”
Spin has always been CSK’s strength but this time, pacers are also coming good. “In a bid to make Indian players better equipped on overseas tours, there is more grass left on the wickets this time. It is too early to comment how much effect it will have, but the grass on the wicket is definitely aiding the fast bowlers with the new ball.”