IPL 2013: Chennai Super Kings' MS Dhoni banks on experience of playing in playoffs for success
Chennai Super Kings skipper also reveals how he prepares himself for an upcoming game and he still backs the Delhi team despite their mediocre show in IPL 6.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 15, 2013 10:50 AM IST
MS Dhoni was a relieved man after his swashbuckling innings of 58 not out helped Chennai Super Kings setup a 33-run win over Delhi Daredevils in match number 64 of the 2013 Indian Premier League on Tuesday.
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Two-time champions Chennai, with a comprehensive win over Delhi, go top of the table, almost assuring themselves of a top-2 finish at the end of the league stages. Skipper Dhoni, who has consistently led the team to last-4 finishes in all editions, is already looking ahead to the playoffs that start next week.
"There is no doubt that the experience of previously playing all the semi-finals and playoffs will help us going forward. However, we will have to start afresh ahead of each game. Hopefully it'll turn out well for us," he said at the post-match presentation, where we picked up the Man of the Match award.
On his 35-ball innings that was punched with 4 sixes and 2 fours, Dhoni said he took his time before going for big shots and the move worked for him.
"The last few games I was trying to go very hard. That was not my game. I tried to take some time early in my innings today. Overall I think that's a better approach for my batting," he said.
Captain cool Dhoni also reveals how he does not prepare for a particular game before taking the bus from hotel to the stadium.
"I try to keep myself blank before the game. I try to visualise the game during the bus ride. I like the stadium to be 15-20 minutes away from the hotel. That's when I get into the zone," he added.
Delhi suffered their eleventh loss of the tournament, second most after Pune, as their batting failed again as well as the bowling in the death overs was found wanting. Dhoni, though, had some polite words to say for last season's table toppers.
"Delhi have a good side. For some reason, their batting has not clicked in this edition. The tournament does not give you the time to correct that. Hopefully, things will work out for them next year," he said.
Dwayne Bravo, the season's highest wicket-taker so far with 24 scalps, said his side wanted to gift the Chepauk crowd a special win in their last home game.
"The fans look forward to my dance moves. This was our last home game and we wanted to make it special for them. As a bowler, I never put myself in the league of the Morne Morkels, Narines or Malingas. I'm happy to have the purple cap for now. The team has been doing well and the individual performances do not matter," Bravo said after which the CSK side did a lap of honour for their supporters.