Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu shared insights into Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) gameplay, emphasizing the need to back Sameer Rizvi as a finisher for the franchise. Despite MS Dhoni’s impressive knock of 37 runs from 16 deliveries against Delhi Capitals on March 30, CSK suffered their first loss of IPL 2024 by 20 runs.
In a statement to Indiatoday during the Star Sports Press Show, Sidhu stressed the importance of providing opportunities to young talents like Rizvi, whom the franchise acquired for Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. “Talent is nothing without opportunity. You have to give youngsters an opportunity. One is giving opportunity and the other thing is the player accepting the challenge. You have got to give Rizvi that confidence,” Sidhu emphasized.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded Dhoni’s leadership for bringing out the best in players and instilling confidence in them to utilize their abilities fully. “The same player isn’t that strong in the other team, but when he comes to Dhoni, he becomes a completely different player, how? Because a good leader is the one who walks behind him and ignites faith,” Sidhu added.
Rizvi showcased his potential with a massive six off Rashid Khan’s delivery in the match against Gujarat Titans, contributing a quick-fire 14 from 6 balls. However, he faced disappointment in the match against Delhi Capitals as he was dismissed for a golden duck during CSK’s chase of 192 runs. Despite Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten partnership of 51 runs from 23 deliveries, CSK fell short in the chase.
Navjot Singh Sidhu reiterated that Dhoni has nothing to prove and aims to unlock the potential of the next generation. “A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of vinegar. So, therefore, fitting people in their rightful place is what is most important. Dhoni is an asset when he bats and finishes. Jadeja and Dhoni, one plus one is 11. They are multiplying their strength,” Sidhu expressed.
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Reflecting on the importance of finishers in cricket, Sidhu emphasized the challenges of batting in the death overs and highlighted the significance of contributions during this crucial phase of the game. “The bigger challenge is not batting at No. 3 or No. 4, the bigger challenge is when you bat for the last six overs, the last 7 overs. That is the time when you are really tested,” Sidhu elaborated.
CSK will seek redemption as they face Hyderabad in their upcoming match on April 5, Friday, aiming to bounce back from their recent setback.
