MS Dhoni’s knock put MI under psychological pressure: CSK coach Eric Simons

Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons said MS Dhoni’s knock put MI under psychological pressure. Dhoni scored a fine cameo of 4-ball 20 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday. The veteran smashed Hardik Pandya for three consecutive sixes in the final over of the innings.

With the help of Dhoni’s fireworks, CSK was able to post a par score of 206 runs on the board. In the end, CSK registered a 20-run win and thus Dhoni’s cameo turned out to be a game-changing moment.

Dhoni has been in prime form in the ongoing IPL 2024, scoring 59 runs in four innings at a blistering strike rate of 236. Ergo, Dhoni has played a key role in adding the finishing touches for the defending champions.

“Such an important thing is the psychological pressure you put an opposition in when you go into the break. You go to the changeroom and you have an over like that, it gives you massive momentum. They were looking to restrict us under 200 and suddenly they were facing 2006 with an over like that. MS Dhoni continues to amaze us,” Simons said in the post-match press conference.

“To go out there and hit the first ball like that for six and continue the way he did was exceptional. He has been batting exceptionally well in the nets all the way through, pre-season and into the tournament. It was just another unbelievable MS Dhoni moment.”

Simons continued to shower praise on Dhoni for his calmness at the crease. Dhoni is making the most of his experience at the top level and he is showing the cricketing world that there is still some fuel left in his tank.

“Dhoni is one of the most incredible cricketers I have come across. Just the way he goes about it, calmness at the wicket. We use him as a batting template when we are bowling at the death because he is so good at it. We can test out our theories against him, and we know that we are going to do well,” Simons added.

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday.