'It means a lot': MS Dhoni lauds group after CSK qualifies for playoffs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are enjoying a rollercoaster ride in the Indian Premier League 2021. The Yellow Brigade picked up an emphatic win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday and became the first team to book a berth in IPL 2021 playoffs. With nine wins in 11 games, CSK are settled at the helm of the points table. The juggernaut comes after a poor show in the 2020 season where CSK couldn’t make it to the playoffs. As expected, MS Dhoni is extremely pleased with the efforts of the team and said the players were keen to do well after a humiliating previous season.

“It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

“You won’t always win games and a lot didn’t go our way last time, and it’s important not to make excuses and we have done that this year.”

The change in fortunes come on back on stellar performances of the bowling group who’ve been magnificent. Also, the openers - Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis have been in stellar form. Both players are among the top five best batters in the tournament. Dhoni lauded the players and said, “ The boys did well to keep the momentum going, and they’ve taken responsibilities to keep all departments of the game in balance so the players and the support staff get the credit.

SRH batters had no answers to the disciplined CSK bowlers and could only manage 139 in their 20 overs, which CSK wiped of without breaking a sweat, with six wickets to spare.