MS Dhoni "Gives Them Some Stares Once...": Sunil Gavaskar On India Great's CSK Captaincy

The Southern Derby between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings lived up to its billings as fans witnessed a high-scoring last-over thriller in Bengaluru. It was the only time these two teams were facing each other in IPL 2023. CSK opener Devon Conway stole the show with his explosive, yet classical batting at M Chinnaswamy. The left-handed batter from New Zealand played a sublime knock of 83 off 45 balls to help CSK post a mammoth total.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan likened Conway to former Australia batter Michael Hussey, who was a vital cog in the CSK setup 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 that of Michael Hussey. Once he starts scoring runs, he does not stop. His speciality was that as Faf du Plessis changed fielding positions, Conway took advantage of that and played shots in the gap."

The high-adrenaline encounter between RCB and CSK also showcased MS Dhoni's calming effect on the side which helped the latter stave off the jittery moments on the pitch in slog overs.

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the reason why CSK managed to weather the storm of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell is because of Dhoni behind the stumps.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live Sunil Gavaskar said, "Players don't feel much pressure when MS Dhoni is leading the side. He's utterly cool and that helps. He stays in the moment and never gets carried away. Yes, he gives them some stares once they drop catches or miss field but he never puts them under pressure. That is the reason why CSK manage to brave crunch situations more often than not."

Topics mentioned in this article

MS Dhoni Sunil Gavaskar Chennai Super Kings Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 Cricket