Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in captain MS Dhoni on Saturday engaged in some cheeky banter with former teammate and Mumbai Indians pacer Deepak Chahar ahead of their match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
In a video posted by CSK, Dhoni can be seen playfully threatening Chahar with his bat.
Their last encounter at Chepauk saw Deepak Chahar try to get under MS Dhoni’s skin by gesturing towards a short silly point fielding position and then clapping loudly as Dhoni prepared to bat.
MS Dhoni’s return as full-time skipper for the remainder of the season and CSK finding “manoeuvrability” within their bowling line-up were positive signs for the veteran. He faces the task of reviving their disappointing campaign, contributing with the bat in the death overs, and managing his knee injury amidst all this.
MS Dhoni’s return to the Wankhede – the venue for many battles between these two teams – should spur the visiting side. Dhoni was the difference between MI and CSK the last time they clashed here in 2024, with his four-ball 20 featuring three sixes off Pandya.
Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar, who has been struggling to take wickets, will be looking to prove a point against his former team.
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Chahar has had his fair share of injuries that have pushed him down the pecking order regarding national team selection, but the 32-year-old swing bowler feels he has the skill sets to get back into contention.
“Yes, I think I have had injuries. In the last three years, I have had a lot of injuries, but I am not the only one; there are a lot of other players who are injured,” Chahar said recently.
“My mindset is a little different. If you think that I am injured and I am not able to play, and someone else is playing, will I be able to come back? If you doubt yourself, then you have a problem. I don’t doubt myself,” the player, known for being a lethal Powerplay bowler, said.
“My skill, from where I have played well in the Indian team, always puts me in a better position than where I play regularly. I have played well, and I will get a chance again,” he added.
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