MS Dhoni - A class apart for CSK in IPL 2021

 CSK has been consistent across all 12 seasons they have played so far except for 2020. One main reason for that is Dhoni who has been brilliant with his man-management skills and his calmness. 

What has Dhoni done differently than other captains in Vivo IPL 2021?

1. Bowling changes.

In the finals against KKR when KKR were cruising at one stage and Narine at crease Dhoni brought in Josh Hazlewood into the attack. Narine has struggled against fast bowlers who bowl at 140 kmph which he resembled in finals as well as getting out playing just 2 balls. This is where Kohli had faltered giving Dan Christian the bowl against Narine where he hit 3 sixes finishing the match there itself in a qualifier.

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2. Field Placements.

Jadeja has been CSK's backbone along with Faf in the fielding department. When Venkatesh Iyer was striking the ball well through the off side he placed Jadeja at deep cover assuming Iyer to go hard at Shardul's slower ones. The same happened and Jadeja took a stunner dismissing Iyer who was going all guns blazing at the middle overs.

3. Team Combinations.

Not many were happy with CSK's buys at the auction comparing it with other franchises. CSK remained silent for most of the auction and brought who they wanted without much hype. This is what CSK has done throughout the entire 12 seasons they have played not hampering their combinations and trusting in players.

Moeen Ali.

When he was at RCB he did not get much time to bat and neither bowl his quota of 4 overs. This season Dhoni made him play at 3 believing in him for playing quick knocks at the start and giving the middle order time to settle down. 

This role was taken up and executed to perfection during the Indian leg making full use of his opportunity and giving the finishers a good foundation. When needed he was given to bowl but not consistently as CSK had many more options.

Robin Uthappa.

At a crucial point when everyone was expecting Moeen Ali to bat at 3 Uthappa was brought in to play at 3 who made full use of the PP which is his strength. If you look at his career when he was at his peak and the last season of SMAT he has scored the bulk of his runs in the PP making Dhoni play him at 3.  

This year CSK made use of only 16 players in the entire season which is the least. The 2nd best is KKR with 19. PBKS made use of 25 players which is the highest. By looking at these numbers too we see how CSK gives opportunity to players even if they fail the entire season.

When they finished 7th last year no one gave them a chance to qualify. Defying all odds not only did they qualify but also became the Champions.