Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni finally accepted that the age group of ‘his boys’ was a concern. However, the CSK squad has so far done an admirable job as they are now just one step away from winning their third IPL title.
“The age-group of the boys was definitely a concern, you had to keep them fit. We had to take care of the resources and to make sure that when we come to the business end of the tournament, the best 11 is available for selection,” MS Dhoni said.
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Talking to media on the eve of high-voltage clash with their southern neighbours SunRiser Hyderabad, ICC World Cup and the two-time IPL-winning captain said, “This year we have been able to do that. We did have injury concerns in the middle, but it is good to have all the players available for selection.”
The average age of the core team of Chennai is 34 and half years – Dhoni (36), Ambati Rayudu (32), Suresh Raina (31), Dwayne Bravo (34), Shane Watson (37) and Harbhajan Singh (37). However, Dhoni’s boys have proved that age is just a state of mind with their performance throughout the season.
In the pre-match press conference, MS Dhoni also justified his decision to often under-bowl veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh in the league.
“I have a lot of cars and bikes in my house. I don’t ride all at a time. A lot of times, especially when you have six to seven bowlers in the side, you want to see the conditions, you want to see who is batting and what is needed at that point of time. I see what is in best interest of the team,” Dhoni said.
In IPL 2018, Harbhajan has played 13 matches for Chennai and picked up seven wickets.
“In the past, we had Negi and Jadeja, and I gave them different slots of bowling. And the unreal thing is that a lot of times the player gets criticised at times for what the batsman is doing.”
“I always check what is the condition and what is in the best interest of the team then before deciding on the bowler as to who has the best chance to succeed over the bowler.”
“Like in the last game I didn’t feel it was necessary for him (Harbhajan) to bowl. But for Bhajji, he is really experienced when it comes to any format of the game.”
