In IPL 2023, on Tuesday, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team Chennai Super Kings defeated Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the first qualifier. Batting first, four-time champions CSK scored 172 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. In response, the Gujarat team was reduced to 157 runs in 20 overs. In the post-match presentation, commentator Harsha Bhogle also asked Dhoni questions about his retirement. On this, the CSK captain said that he has eight-nine months left to decide. In such a situation, he does not want to rush the decision.
What did Dhoni say after the match?
After the match, Dhoni said – IPL is such a big tournament that you cannot say that it is just another final. Earlier there used to be eight top teams, now 10 teams play. I wouldn't say it's just another final. It took two months of hard work. Everyone has contributed. Yes, the middle order hasn't got enough chances. Gujarat is a great team and they have chased down well many times in the past. That's why at the time of the toss, it was thought that he should be given a chance to bat first, but it was good to lose the toss.
Dhoni praised Jadeja
Dhoni said- If Ravindra Jadeja gets such conditions that help him, then it is very difficult to hit his ball. His bowling changed the game. His partnership at the end of the innings with Moeen Ali should not be forgotten. We try to create an atmosphere and find out what is the strength of a fast bowler. We try to give them confidence and tell them please try to explore your bowling. We try to motivate them as much as possible. We have a good support staff, Dwayne Bravo and Eric Simmons. You watch the wicket and adjust the field accordingly.
Dhoni's answer to the question of playing next year
Dhoni said- I can be a very troublesome captain. I keep moving the fielders two to three feet back and forth. My only request to the fielders is to keep an eye on me and watch me. Even if a catch is dropped, I will not react, just keep an eye on me. (On the question of whether he will play next year or not) I do not know. I have eight to nine months to decide, as the next auction is either in December this year or January next year. In such a situation why take his headache from now? Whether I play or not, I will always be there for CSK. Will keep helping a player whether as a player or from outside (staff).
What happened in the match?
Talking about the match, in the first qualifier played in Chepauk, Hardik won the toss and decided to bowl first. Batting first, Chennai had a great start. Rituraj Gaikwad and Devon Conway shared an 87-run partnership for the first wicket. Rituraj got out after scoring 60 runs in 44 balls with the help of seven fours and a six. At the same time, Devon Conway played an inning of 40 runs in 34 balls with the help of four fours. Shivam Dubey got out by scoring one run, Ajinkya Rahane 17 runs, Ambati Rayudu 17 runs, and Dhoni one run. Jadeja and Moeen finally hit some big shots to take Chennai to a score of 172 in 20 overs. Jadeja was dismissed for 22 runs in 16 balls with the help of two fours, while Moin remained unbeaten after scoring nine runs in four balls. For Gujarat, Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma took two wickets each. Darshal Nalkande, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmed got one wicket each.
Shubman-Rashid played brilliant innings for Gujarat
In response, the Gujarat team was reduced to 157 runs in 20 overs. Wriddhiman Saha 12 runs, Captain Hardik eight runs, Dasun Shanaka 17 runs, David Miller four runs, Vijay Shankar 14 runs, Rahul Tewatia three runs, Darshan Nalkande zero and Mohammed Shami got out after scoring five runs. Shubman Gill, who is in excellent form, played an inning of 42 runs in 38 balls with the help of four fours and a six. At the same time, Rashid Khan finally scored 30 runs in 16 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes, but could not win his team. Noor Ahmed remained unbeaten after scoring seven runs. For Chennai, Deepak Chahar, Mahesh Teekshana, Ravindra Jadeja and Mathisha Pathirana got two wickets each. Tushar Deshpande took one wicket.
Qualifier-2 is to be held on May 26The team that wins Qualifier-1 goes directly to the final, so Chennai now has a direct entry into the final to be held on May 28. At the same time, Gujarat will now have to play Qualifier-2 to be held on 26 May. Gujarat will face the winning team of the eliminator match between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. The winner of Lucknow and Mumbai will play Qualifier-2, while the losing team will be out of the tournament. The winning team of Qualifier-II will advance to the final, while the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.
(pc amarujala)
