File image of CSK skipper MS Dhoni©Twitter
The Southern Derby between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings lived up to its expectations as fans witnessed a high-grossing final thriller in Bengaluru. It was the only time these two teams faced each other in IPL 2023. CSK opener Devon Conway stole the show with his explosive yet classic batting at M Chinnaswamy. The New Zealand left-handed batsman played a superb 83 off 45 balls to help CSK put up a massive total.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan compared Conway to former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, who was a vital part of the CSK line-up for many years and helped the Yellow Brigade win TATA IPL in 2010 and 2011. Hussey is now CSK’s batting coach.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said: “Devon Conway’s batting style is very similar to Michael Hussey. Once he starts scoring runs, he doesn’t stop. His specialty was that when Faf du Plessis changed field position, Conway took advantage of that and played shots in the hole.”
The high-adrenaline encounter between RCB and CSK also showed the calming effect of MS Dhoni on the side, which helped the latter avoid the jittery moments on the pitch.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that the reason why CSK managed to weather the storm of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell is due to Dhoni behind the stumps.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Sunil Gavaskar said: “Players don’t feel much pressure when MS Dhoni is in charge. He’s totally cool and that helps. He stays in the moment and never gets carried away. Yes, he gives them some staring when they drop a catch or miss the field, but he never puts pressure on them. That’s why CSK manages to defy crunch situations more often.”
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