Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be hoping for a win when they take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 41 of Indian Premier League. CSK are coming into the game on the back of the loss vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. PBKS also faced defeat in hands of Lucknow Super Giants in their last encounter. Shikhar Dhawan returned to action after a breif injury layoff in the last match but could not really do anything with the bat. PBKS will pin hopes on him for a good show vs CSK. At the same time, all eyes will be on MS Dhoni as he plays again in front of the home crowd.
Also Read | CSK vs PBKS Weather Report: Will Rain Affect Chennai Clash In IPL 2023? Check Here
'MS Dhoni managing himself well'
CSK's biggest strength this season is the way their batters are firing and the way skipper MS Dhoni is leading them by optimising his resources to perfection. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised Dhoni for the way he's managing his teammates, as well as himself because the knee injury seems to be pestering him constantly.
Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Sanjay Manjrekar said, "MS Dhoni is a clever cricketer. He knows his limitations. We are seeing a new avatar of him this season. Earlier he used to manage the team, this year, he's also managing himself."
Congregating at Chepauk for D-Day! _#WhistlePoduExpress _ #CSKvPBKS #Yellove __ pic.twitter.com/t2FM3sgYsW
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 30, 2023
Ravi Shastri is impressed with Shivam Dube
Another big positive for CSK is the way all-rounder Shivam Dube is batting. The tall left-handed batter has been hitting sixes for fun in this TATA IPL, and former India cricketer Ravi Shastri seems to be in awe of the Mumbaikar.
"Shivam Dube has range and power. He's tall and he can easily hit sixes just by standing in his place, which makes him a dangerous batter. He's been given the license from the skipper to just go out there and explode," said Ravi Shastri.
Also Read | IPL 2023 Points Table, Orange Cap And Purple Cap Leaders: GT Number 1 Again; SRH Improve In Standings
How Rahane reinvented himself at CSK
Ajinkya Rahane's revamped version is another big boost for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. The senior India cricketer has got the freedom at CSK to express himself which has done wonders for him, as well as for the franchise.
Former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch thinks the faith coach Stephen Fleming and skipper Dhoni showed in Rahane is paying dividends. Aaron Finch said, "Ajinkya Rahane got the freedom at CSK. After a poor run last year, he might have thought his IPL career was done. But then he got another opportunity after CSK picked him up. He got that unexpected opportunity with MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming tapping on his shoulders and saying 'you are playing' go and have some fun, express yourself.
