MS Dhoni revealed why CSK arrived late at Chepauk Stadium ahead of their matchday game against Punjab (Sportzpics)
MS Dhoni won the draw for CSK against Punjab Kings and revealed why his side arrived slightly late at MA Chidambaram Stadium ahead of the 2023 IPL 41 match
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni won the coin toss ahead of their 2023 IPL 41 match against Punjab Kings, considering the matchday match and the heat in Chennai, Dhoni made it obvious and has chose to strike first. The CSK skipper has also revealed a ‘smart’ ploy after being quizzed on why his side were slightly late to arrive at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The four-time IPL champions came into their game against Punjab after a loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals, while Shikhar Dhawan’s side also suffered a massive 56-point defeat in their previous match against Super Lucknow Giants.
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Both teams were looking to get back to winning ways in the 999th game in IPL history. CSK skipper Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first after which he was asked why Chennai arrived after Punjab at Chepauk Stadium on Sunday to which he gave a brilliant answer.
The 41-year-old wicket-striker revealed it was done deliberately to prevent his players from being exposed to the sun for long durations as they warmed up for the game. Dhoni said some teams arrive very early for the day’s matches, but being in the sun takes a heavy toll on the players, which is why CSK came up with a “smart” ploy.
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“When you play a day game, the heat is a factor. Fast bowlers can rest. In daytime play, few players are too early. It is important to be smart. Do not expose yourself too much to the sun. The IPL is quite a long tournament,” Dhoni said after winning the draw.
Speaking of their loss to Rajasthan Royals, the legendary former India captain said his side are looking to learn from the games that don’t go to plan.
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“There will be games that you don’t like. You have to accept the learnings. It’s the same team,” added Dhoni.
While Chennai Super Kings played with the same team in their last game, Shikhar made a change from his side, Harpreet Brar entered the playing XI in place of Gurnoor.
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Teams:
Kings of Punjab: Atharva Taide, Shikhar Dhawan(c), Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w/c), Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
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