IPL 2023: I told him to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and we’ll back you – MS Dhoni reveals conversation with Ajinkya Rahane

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has revealed his conversation with Ajinkya Rahane after they bested Mumbai Indians comprehensively by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Rahane was roped in for his base price of INR 50 lakhs in the IPL 2023 auction.

The flamboyant batter got a chance to make his CSK debut against the Rohit Sharma-led and he was able to make the most of his opportunity. Devon Conway was dismissed early in the run chase of 158 runs and Rahane was able to get going from the word go.

The right-hander, who has all the experience of playing at the Wankhede, scored a stylish knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls. Rahane took 23 runs in an over against young Arshad Khan and got to his fifty off just 19 balls, the fastest of the ongoing season. The veteran was able to put CSK in front in the run-chase with his blistering knock.

MS revealed he told Rahane to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and the team will back him.

Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “Me and Jinks spoke at the start of the season and I told him to play to his strengths, use your ability to manipulate the fields. I told him to go and enjoy, don’t take stress and we’ll back you. He batted well and he was not happy with the way he got out, that says it all. I think every game is important, you look at the problems in front of you and take it one step at a time, not look at the league table for now.”

On the other hand, Dhoni also showered praise on his spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner, who took five wickets among them. Jadeja returned with figures of 3-20 whereas Santner took two wickets in his quota of four overs.

In fact, CSK lost Deepak Chahar to injury after the first over he bowled but they were able to keep MI to a sub-par score.

Dhoni added, “Feels good. Not to forget we lost Deepak in the first over. He’s our new ball bowler and Magala playing his first match. The good thing is spinners bowled well. It was a bit two-paced after 7 overs, started turning. The spinners and the fast bowlers came back well. Magala was good and so was Pretorius. We believe in him, and when you’re new you are under pressure but playing in the IPL for a few years brings different pressure [on Deshpande]. He had a great domestic season, he is improving. He has a lot of potential but he can improve by not bowling those no-balls, and by being more consistent.”

CSK will next face Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.