IPL 2022 | 'We played the perfect game' - MS Dhoni on win over Delhi Capitals

Last night, Chennai Super Kings against the Delhi Capitals displayed a fairy tale ending. MS Dhoni displayed a brave 21 off eight balls as wickets fell off the other end. The skipper's knock helped the team put on a 209-run target for the opponents. With it, Dhoni also completed 6000 runs as captain in the T20 format.

During a chat with Star Sports, Dhoni expressed his satisfaction with the team and stated that he felt CSK played a perfect game.

"I feel we played a perfect game today," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

The skipper also showered praise on CSK batters for pushing the team total to 200.

"The batters did really well. This is one of those tosses where you want to win the toss, and you want to field first, but in your heart, you are also saying never mind if you lose the loss. Because the last game also that we played the ball actually stops a bit even in the second half. It only gets better after the 13th-14th over onwards. Which means you still have to behave and bat a bit nicely [even in the chase]."

The Indian Premier League has set its reputation as a limelight for big hitters. Therefore, it is essential to cease the hitters prematurely.

"The batters gave us those extra few runs than whatever the par [score] was. The way the openers batted, and after that, everybody contributed a bit. Overall, runs on the board really helps. Then making sure the big-hitters don't go after you. It doesn't matter if you get 200 or 210, once they get going, you can't save the game," stated Dhoni.

Dhoni also took his time to show his appreciation for bowlers Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh. The young fast bowlers were successful in defending the 208 total.

"What I personally feel, both Simarjeet and Mukesh have taken time to mature," Dhoni said. "It is different with every individual. There are some who are good right from the first game. There are some who take a few games. Whether is two, three, four, or it can be seven or ten games,"

Dhoni believes that the two have the capability. He emphasised on 'game sense', which he believes comes from gathering experience by playing a plethora of matches. He stated that the art of T20 bowling lies in knowing what 'not' to bowl.

"Game sense is something that is very crucial. Yes, you have the talent, you have the variation, but ultimately it is reading, 'Okay, what is a good delivery to bowl? What is a good delivery not to bowl?' I often feel in T20 cricket, what's more, important is to know what is not a good delivery to bowl. Because that's what puts extra pressure on you if you go for runs. If you go for runs, that actually affects your confidence,"

Dhoni stepped in to bat at a stressful situation as wickets continued falling off the other end.

"It's something that I don't really like: going and straightaway hitting. When you go around 13th-14th over onwards, if they bowl short or length, you can tap it down, see the pace of the wicket. But if it is only 12 deliveries left, all your batters start going up. They start going after the six. It puts extra pressure on the batter," stated the skipper.

"Just turn up for your games, plan well, execute your plans, look to win the game, and enjoy the rest of the IPL matches. You don't want to be under pressure when two other franchises are playing. Enjoy the IPL. It is good." concluded Dhoni.

CSK have a total of 3 matches remaining in the league. They are set to clash with Mumbai Indians on 12th May at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.