The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu remarked on legendary wicketkeeper and batter MS Dhoni humorously on the fact that MS Dhoni does not need to be 100 percent prepared to create an impact in the 2024 IPL edition. Rayudu reckons the time when he was playing for CSK and won the championship title in the 2018, 2021, and 2023 IPL edition.
Most of us were carrying niggles- Ambati Rayudu
Reminiscing on his initial season with the Men in Yellow, Ambati Rayudu unfolded the fact that almost half of the players from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were not absolutely in their best form while playing, but still, they got the job done. This is what Ambati Rayudu mentioned on Star Sports Press Room about MS Dhoni‘s crooked knee and the player’s ability to provoke:
“I think with CSK, since the time I joined in 2018, I don’t think half the team was fit (laughs). Most of us were carrying (niggles). With Mahi Bhai (Dhoni), I don’t think he has been fully fit for the past 3-4 years. But whenever the time has come, the crucial matches come, he has always stood up.”
Ambati Rayudu had a staggering start in the IPL 2018, amassing 602 runs in just 16 innings at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 149.75. That season decided his return to the Indian ODI team.
Ambati Rayudu recalled an incident involving MS Dhoni and Shane Watson
It sounds like Ambati Rayudu offered some insights into Chennai Super Kings (CSK) strategies regarding fielding and player management. Rayudu might have indicated that the team was aware that fielding wasn’t their strongest aspect during a certain period. Additionally, he might have shared an anecdote about MS Dhoni advising Shane Watson to prioritize his safety and not take unnecessary risks while fielding, possibly due to Watson’s value as a batsman and the importance of keeping key players fit and available throughout the season. This reflects a thoughtful approach to team management and player well-being, which are crucial aspects of a successful cricket team.
On this, he stated:
“Every game we used to think that if the par score was 180, we would give 200 because of our fielding. Mahi bhai always used to tell Shane Watson, ‘You’re not moving. If the ball comes straight to you, you catch it. You don’t dive. We want you to bat,”
Despite their poor fielding, CSK won the title and Rayudu strongly believes that the reason for their win was the capability to make use of the resources they had.