The reason for this consistency can be debated. CSK have a great squad, with strength and depth in every department, a calm and disciplined coaching setup but over and above that, they have the coolest captain in world cricket.
 |
| A helmet? For what? |
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is calmer under pressure than the dude in the Hurt Locker disarming those bombs. He opitimises cool and instils a sense of self belief in his team mates. This was clear last night as CSK pulled off an unlikely 6 wicket win over the RCB from the jaw's of defeat.
After 6 overs CSK were 25/2, needing 151 runs from the remaining 14 overs at 11 runs per over. Game over? I don't think so. Up steps Suresh Raina, scoring 73 not out of just 50 balls.
 |
| A Raina 6 |
At the 6 over mark and before the run chase began in earnest, Dhoni (who himself scored 29 off 19 balls himself) wasn't seen to be holding his head in his hands, wasn't seen to be biting his nails, no, he was smiling and sharing a joke with a fellow team mate whilst padding up.
This type of "cool under pressure" behaviour has become synonymous with Dhoni's leadership. His teams don't panic. Nothing is impossible. Besides his leadership, his contributions with the bat and gloves behind the stumps are invaluable to say the least.
His skill and bat speed are unique. He has the most skillful wrists in world cricket, allowing him to play shots no other can. If his wrists were his legs, Usain Bolt would be in trouble, they're that quick.
Never has the joke, "his so cool, he shits ice blocks" defined one man. Forget the Bells, get this man a Castle Light.
______________________________________________________________________
The win for CSK was also due to the contribution from SA's own Albie Morkel, who scored 28 off 10 balls, including hitting the winning runs with a 6.
Chennai will now play in the final against the winner of Mumbai v Kolkatta, in Chennai, where they have not lost this season in 7 games.
 |
| Albie |
70.
ReplyDelete