IPL 2019: How the MSD factor has changed CSK
Chennai Super Kings have been the best team in the history of the IPL. They have never failed to qualify for the playoffs when they have competed, and have won the trophy as many as three times.
Last year, they came back to the IPL after a two-year ban. The doubters said that they would not be able to do well since their team consisted of many 'old' players. Most of their players were over 30 and the average age of the team was way above that of the other teams.
But CSK went on to win the title, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu creating magic at the top. And of course, the captaincy of MS Dhoni stood out as always.
In IPL 2019, we again find CSK at the top of the points table half-way through the season. They have displayed their trademark never-say-die attitude again, winning several games that seemed lost.
Dhoni the captain has made the right decisions yet again. His wicketkeeping does not need any introduction, which has been spot on. And while many said that Dhoni the batsman is past his sell-by date, he has shown everyone this season that he is still the best finisher in the world.
Dhoni has struck 314 runs this season, in the 10 matches that he has played. His strike rate is nearly 140 and his average is just astounding at 104.66. Rather than Team CSK, it has been Team MSD that has done the bulk of the work.
Dhoni has the best average and the highest score of his IPL career this season (his previous best average was 75 and highest score was 79* from last year). He also hit a massive six against Royal Challengers Bangalore which went a distance of 111 metres, the biggest of this season.
Chennai have been largely dependent on Dhoni this time, especially because of the poor form of many of their other players.
We have seen a different Dhoni this time around. He is known for his calmness and composure, but this year he has lost his cool on a few occasions. He was seen shouting at Deepak Chahar for his poor bowling at the death in one match, and in another he entered the ground from the dugout for a no-ball issue, showing his emotions in front of both the umpires.
Dhoni, who is known as 'Thala' in Chennai, has been the team's backbone ever since the start of the IPL. CSK have reached where they are mainly because of this one man.
Their only concern right now is that Dhoni has had a few back issues this year; he even missed a match this time, after a nine-year continuous streak. They would be desperately wishing and praying that he stays fit throughout the season.
The team owners and the fans are very loyal to Dhoni, and they will hope that even this year Captain Cool will take them over the line to win their fourth IPL title.
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