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IPL 2021, CSK vs RR: Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni doesn't want anyone to say he's unfit

While the 39-year-old Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, admitted that "getting old and being fit are two difficult things", he also said that performances are not always guaranteed.

By Pti
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni doesnt want anyone to say hes unfit

Mumbai, April 20: Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday (April 19) said it is hard to "keep up" with younger players in the squad but it will be a "big positive" for the 39-year-old if they are not able to point fingers at him over his fitness.

MS Dhoni led his franchise for the 200th time as CSK beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 45 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. His teammates are getting among the runs, but he himself has struggled with the bat as he got a duck in the first match against Delhi Capitals and made 18 off 17 balls in the match against RR. And some have questioned his performance.

While the 39-year-old Dhoni, who retired from international cricket last year, admitted that "getting old and being fit are two difficult things", he also said that performances are not always guaranteed.

IPL 2021, CSK vs RR Match Report: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja set up win for Chennai Super KingsIPL 2021, CSK vs RR Match Report: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja set up win for Chennai Super Kings

"When you are playing, you don't really want anyone to say he's unfit. I have to keep up with the younger guys, they are very fast, it's good to challenge them," Dhoni said after CSK beat Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in their IPL match.

"Performances are something that's guaranteed. I wasn't guaranteeing performances when I was 24. I can't guarantee when I am 40, but at least if people can't point finger at me that he's unfit then that will be a big positive for me."

Talking about the match, he said he was glad CSK scored 180-plus, though he said they could have got more.

"I felt Sam bowled really well. Deepak, there was a bit of miscalculation with the knuckle delivery. So I felt a good start was important. Even the wet ball was spinning.

"I don't really mind Jos playing reverse sweep. If the wet ball was turning then the chance of the dry ball turning is high."

IPL 2021, CSK vs RR: Man of The Match, Post Match Presentation, HighlightsIPL 2021, CSK vs RR: Man of The Match, Post Match Presentation, Highlights

Dhoni said it was good to have Moeen Ali, who took three wickets from seven runs from three overs, as the wicket was turning a bit and becoming more sticky.

"The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game."

He said a lot has changed since last year when they finished seventh out of eight teams.

"The way we have prepared. The bowlers have been under the pump last year also, so they''re used to the conditions."

Story first published: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 0:57 [IST]
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