IPL 2023: Aakash Chopra Opines on CSK Skipper MS Dhoni’s Impressive Captaincy

Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has shared some of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni‘s tactics that have impressed him the most in the IPL 2023. However, the summit clash of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League was supposed to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 28 but with persistent rain, the game has been moved to the reserve day (Monday, May 29) as well.

While previewing the rescheduled final in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said some of Dhoni’s impressive calls in the tournament so far as well. He also added that Dhoni has ensured that Maheesh Theekshana is back among the wickets. Chopra also praised Dhoni for his handling of Deepak Chahar’s workload after his recovery from his injury. He added:

“You look at Matheesha Pathirana. Death bowling was a concern. Now you see him actually bowling in the death overs consistently. So he (Dhoni) has suddenly resolved the death bowling issues. The way he has used Maheesh Theekshana. He was not picking that many wickets but suddenly you will find that he is getting him to pick up wickets by bowling him at different-different stages. The way he has prepared Deepak Chahar – earlier bowled him three overs at the start and then nothing, and then three and the 11th or 12th over. Now he is getting him ready for the big finale.”

IPL 2023: CSK are the first team to reach the final

Aakash Chopra also appreciated MS Dhoni’s utilization of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube interchangeably at No. 3 based on the team’s situation as well.

Aakash Chopra also said that Ajinkya Rahane has a much superior record away from home in IPL 2023 as well. He expects Rahane to be a crucial player for CSK in Ahmedabad as well. Rahane has scored 299 runs in 10 innings which came at an excellent strike rate of 169.88 in IPL 2023.

“Ajinkya Rahane’s performances at home have been extremely ordinary but he is brilliant whenever he travels and plays on better pitches. If you talk about this ground, the second-best of his career is at this ground. So Ajinkya Rahane’s stature suddenly grows for the final. He used to be held back at times when they were playing at home, Shivam Dube was sent ahead of him, but as soon as they go away, he is someone whose chances of doing well suddenly skyrocket. So Ajinkya Rahane is an important player in this contest,” he concluded.