IPL 2019 | Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir are like wine, says MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai Super Kings heaped praise on veteran spinners Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh, as he remarked they are like wine and maturing. However, the skipper did not seem very happy with the slow nature of the track in all the four games played at Chepauk until now.
Chennai Super Kings have played four games on the slow track of their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, and Harbhajan Singh has been a part of all but one of the home games, and one away game at Delhi. On the other hand, Imran Tahir has been a part of all the games of CSK and both Harbhajan and Tahir and been very impactful scalping 7 and 9 wickets each in the tournament thus far. Even in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday, both the spinners scalped two wickets each, which greatly helped in restricting KKR to 108, and the skipper MS Dhoni could not hold back his praise for the duo.
“The age is on their side (Harbhajan and Tahir).They are like wine and they are maturing. Bhajji has done well in whatever games he has played. I have fallen back on Imran whenever needed and he has come up with very good performances,” said Dhoni, at the post match presentation ceremony, reported PTI.
Despite winning all the four games on their home ground, and one game at another similar track of Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, the skipper made his displeasure public over the slow and dry nature of the pitches. In the first match of the tournament itself, the Royal Challengers Bangalore were bowled out for 70 and even CSK struggled to chase that down.
“I don't think we want to be playing on these tracks. It becomes too low scoring. It becomes slightly difficult for our batsmen as well. It is slightly more difficult batting first but once the dew comes in, it gets better,” expressed the 37 year old.
The Super Kings’ mainstay, all rounder Dwayne Bravo had suffered hamstring strain in the team’s fourth match against Kings XI Punjab, and was ruled out for a period of two weeks. The skipper did not shy away from the fact that the death over specialist’s absence is hurting them, add to that, the absence of David Willey, who could have been a like for like replacement.
“Losing Bravo, it is slightly difficult for us to get the combination as we are missing the all-rounder. David is not here as well. So, it can't be a straight swap,” explained the former India captain.
The skipper was still more or less satisfied with his bowling, but hinted at a change in combination when they play on other flat wickets.
“Overall, the bowling unit looks good. But once we play on better and flatter wickets with smaller boundaries, we will have to see what is the best combination to play with,” he stated
Dhoni has been a part of the Chennai based franchise, since 2008, has played 181 matches for them, and has even led them to three IPL trophies. Naturally, the South Indian city has become the Ranchi player’s second home. The skipper even shared some very special memories with the venue, like his Test debut in 2005, and was humbled by the crowd’s response.
“I have been here for a very long time. Lot of good things have happened for me here including my Test debut. The crowd loves CSK and I have been a part of the franchise from the start. It is a special connection and they have really adopted me,” said Dhoni.
In their next encounter, CSK will take on Rajasthan Royals tomorrow, in Jaipur.
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