Does Mahendra Singh Dhoni possess a magic wand? The question props up since Chennai Super Kings finished ninth among 10 teams last season. It needed an astute leader, besides perfect planning, to bring about a transformation.
Dhoni’s tactical acumen with accurate bowling changes and field placings have played a key role in CSK’s turnaround this season. They have already won four out of their six matches and look unstoppable.
In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders have been unsettled and inconsistent. The batting, except for Venkatesh Iyer, has been erratic. They have largely depended on miracles like the one Rinku Singh pulled off in Ahmedabad or Shardul Thakur’s innings against RCB at the Eden for their victories.
Nitish Rana is no Dhoni and has hardly been inspirational. With captaincy thrust upon him following the injury to Shreyas Iyer, he has struggled to come to terms with the responsibility. Unless Rana comes up with some out-of-the-box strategy in dealing with the conditions and team combination, it will be tough for the Knights to turn things around on Sunday against a well-orchestrated CSK.
Three consecutive defeats can force a team to press the panic button. The Knight Riders did show glimpses of disarray while effecting mass changes in their line-up at the Kotla. Even such drastic measures proved futile as the batters drew a blank.
Nothing can be more relevant to portray their plight than the four opening combinations in the six games. The failure of their bowlers as a unit has piled on the pressure.
Andre Russell has pulled the team out of such a mess previously on numerous occasions. Fitness concerns aside, the Jamaican has been far from his best and hasn’t shown the appetite for a fight.
Can Sunil Narine recreate some of his old magic? The off spinner seemed to find his guile in their first home match against RCB but has been a laggard since. An economy of 8.43 and six wickets hardly meets his stature and expectations. If he can produce his wizardry and rock CSK in the Powerplay, the Knights could sense a chance.
Else the likes of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad will settle the match in the first few overs. If one of the openers fail, Ajinkya Rahane or Shivam Dube will be waiting to cash in on the opportunity.
CSK’s bowling has also inspired awe. Take the case of Matheesha Pathirana, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga with his slinging action.
Dhoni’s guidance and belief has converted the Sri Lankan into a death over specialist.
An Akash Singh or Tushar Deshpande has also made their rivals sit up and take notice. The way these youngsters have prospered and shown remarkable calmness and accuracy at the death goes on to prove how Dhoni can work wonders.
Today’s match
■ Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, 7.30pm, Eden Gardens, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
