IPL 2021: Is MS Dhoni unfit? Here's what the Chennai Super Kings skipper had to say
MS Dhoni is the former Indian skipper, while he continues to lead Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He is the longest-reigning captain in the IPL and CSK, having lead in both for 13 and 12 seasons, respectively. However, he has failed to deliver of late.
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FollowFormer Indian skipper MS Dhoni might be at the twilight phase of his career. However, he has been determined not to give up the sport, as he continues to lead Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings despite having retired from international cricket.
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Meanwhile, since IPL 2020, Dhoni's performance has been under the scanner, as he has barely got the runs, while his captaincy, too, is seemingly ineffective, as CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Nonetheless, he happens to be back to his old best, especially on the captaincy front, as CSK has managed to win two of the three matches it has played so far.
However, Dhoni is yet to deliver with the bat, struggling to score runs, having scored just 18 in a couple of innings at a poor average of 9.00. While many feel that Dhoni might not be as fit as before, he admitted that he is undoubtedly not unfit, although he might be old.
"When you are playing, you don't really want anyone to say he's unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys; they are very fast, it's good to challenge them. Performances are something that's guaranteed. I wasn't guaranteeing performances when I was 24. I can't guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can't point finger at me that he's unfit, then that will be a big positive for me," Dhoni said after CSK's win over Rajasthan Royals on Monday.
Dhoni also spoke on how things have changed for the side following its dismal performance in IPL 2020. "The way we have prepared. The bowlers were under the pump last year also, so they're used to the conditions," he recalled.
Speaking on the game, Dhoni credited Moeen Ali for turning the game around with his spin. However, he was wary of his performance with the bat. "The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game," he concluded.
