Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni, describing him as a master in pitch control. Ravi Shastri said MS Dhoni used his bowling resources well in the 15-run win over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in ‘Qualifier 1’ on Tuesday May 23.

The Chennai-based franchise reached the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for the 10th time in the tournament’s history. The team led by MS Dhoni prepared a competitive total of 172 runs in 20 overs. Chennai bowlers obliterated the opposing team with 157 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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170+ gave them pole position – Ravi Shastri

Speaking in a discussion on Star Sports after the match, Ravi Shastri highlighted that the Chennai Super Kings lost against the Gujarat Titans in their last three meetings.

“CSK will be delighted. They were number 9 last year. They had lost three times to the Gujarat Titans in the previous three times they played them.” Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.

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“And go out today and put on a show like this. They know these conditions, let’s be fair. When they were hitting, they knew what it took. Anything above 160 was a bonus, 170+ gave them first position.” added.

The four-time IPL champions finished in ninth place in the previous edition of the tournament. The team led by MS Dhoni bounced back in IPL 2023 and finished in second place in the 10-team points table.

LPI 2023 | India national cricket team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Capitals of Delhi (DC) | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Knights Riders of Calcutta (KKR) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

His entries at the top set the tone for CSK – Ravi Shastri

The former Indian all-rounder praised Ruturaj Gaikwad for his brilliant half-century, saying CSK’s leadoff batsman set the tone for the team on the power play.

“Did you know that the game will start once the roulette wheel enters. MS Dhoni is a master is controlling the field, get your field locations correct, bringing those bowling changes and all of those hit the nail on the head,” he continued.

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“A man I would like to give credit to today is Ruturaj Gaikwad. He made hitting look easy today. You saw all the other batsmen struggle there and their innings at the top set the tone for CSK.” He concluded.

Ruturaj Gaikwad survived early in his innings as Darshan Nalkande went over the line in the second over of the innings. The right-handed batsman made the most of the opportunity and scored 60 runs off 44 balls, including seven fours and one six. He scored 564 runs in 14 innings at an average of 43.48 and a strike rate of 146.88.

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