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People should not be surprised if they see batsman MS Dhoni take a back seat: Sanjay Manjrekar
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/23/2020 11:47:17 AM
New Delhi, Sep 22 Sanjay Manjrekar may not be commentating in this year's Indian Premier league but the former India cricketer is certainly watching the action unfold in the tournament with keen interest. Manjrekar was impressed with what he saw in the opening game of the season between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, and reserved rich praise for MS Dhoni. Dhoni's CSK kick-started the IPL with a 5-wicket win over Rohit's MI in Abu Dhabi on September 19. It was CSK's first win over MI in six matches with their last victory coming in the 2018 IPL season. Manjrekar pointed out how Dhoni promoted lefthanded all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in the game against Mumbai and demoted himself down the batting order for the team's cause. “It was amazing to see Chennai win the first game, a team that thrives on turning pitches put up a brilliant winning performance against Mumbai in the opening act,” Manjrekar wrote in his column for The Times of India. Dhoni's gamble to promote Jadeja and Curran paid off as both played small cameos which turned the tide in CSK's favour during their 163- run chase. “I watched Dhoni as captain in that first game where Chennai lost five wickets and Dhoni ended up zero not out after facing just two balls. While more evidence is certainly needed, people should not be surprised if they see Dhoni the batsman take a back seat to allow Dhoni the captain to guide the team’s fortunes," Manjrekar said. CSK will play their second match against Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah on Tuesday, and Manjrekar feels Dhoni's team will start as favourites. “Picking Sam Curran, (Lungi) Ngidi in the eleven and then promoting Curran and (Ravindra) Jadeja.