Former Mumbai cricketer Aditya Tare believes MS Dhoni’s presence could be the difference-maker for Chennai Super Kings as they gear up for a pivotal clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. With CSK’s group still carrying a youthful core, Tare pointed to Dhoni’s know-how in pressure moments as an essential ingredient rather than a luxury.
Quick facts
- Aditya Tare said CSK need MS Dhoni “more than ever” ahead of the match vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Tare urged Dhoni to keep wickets for the full 20 overs if he is fit to play.
- He cited Dhoni’s experience as key for handling high-pressure situations in a relatively young CSK side.
- Tare also highlighted the impact of Dhoni’s guidance for CSK’s two debutants, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer.
- He reflected on Gujarat Titans’ chase against Kolkata Knight Riders, praising Shubman Gill’s composure and control.
- Tare noted GT chased 180 with ease, despite the match reaching the last over.
Tare’s message was direct: if Dhoni is available, CSK should use him—regardless of the role. He added that Dhoni’s wicketkeeping skills remain a major asset, comparing the value of experience behind the stumps to what CSK require in a tight contest.
While acknowledging the quality of other wicketkeepers, Tare stressed that the team cannot ignore the advantage that comes with Dhoni’s track record. In his view, the veteran’s ability to manage situations throughout the innings—especially when the game tightens—gives CSK an edge they can’t replicate with pure potential.
Guidance for CSK’s youngsters
Tare further argued that Dhoni’s leadership and on-field suggestions are likely to matter most because CSK’s lineup includes a significant amount of youth. He specifically referenced Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer as players in the early stages of their IPL journeys, saying they need direction from someone as seasoned as Dhoni.
He also pointed out that CSK have shown faith in both debutants, but insisted that if Dhoni is in the XI, he should play and influence proceedings. According to Tare, Dhoni’s presence can help Kartik and Prashant manage pressure more effectively, particularly when facing intense overs where decisions and execution must be precise.
Tare added that Dhoni has long been a calming presence for Ruturaj and for the bowling unit. He highlighted the veteran’s habit of consistently communicating with bowlers and offering guidance during spells, suggesting that this communication can provide CSK with that extra margin against SRH.
Turning to another match, Tare reflected on Gujarat Titans’ successful chase against Kolkata Knight Riders. He singled out Shubman Gill’s temperament, describing how the batter maintained composure and control across the innings to set up the chase.
Tare praised the GT skipper for anchoring the run chase on Friday, noting that Gujarat Titans reached their target of 180 runs comfortably. He acknowledged that the game extended to the last over, but said the outcome had largely been shaped earlier by Gill’s batting—his command, shot selection, and willingness to rotate strike through well-timed singles and doubles.
In Tare’s assessment, Gill’s approach against KKR demonstrated a high level of cricketing judgment, blending proper strokeplay with effective running between the wickets. He also suggested that Matthew Hayden, GT’s batting coach, would be proud of the way Gill controlled the middle phases.
Finally, Tare said Gujarat’s win highlighted how KKR struggled to respond to Gill’s batting. He concluded that KKR simply did not have answers to the way Gill built and managed the chase, reinforcing why GT’s chase turned out to be decisive.
