‘I feel there is an intimidating factor’ - AB de Villers analyses MS Dhoni’s presence on cricket field

Under the able leadership of MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings managed to beat Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the ongoing IPL 2023 and will once again play the big final on May 28. This is the 10th time CSK will play the summit clash of the cash-rich league and that shows the kind of consistency the four-time champions have shown in their 14-year-long association with the premier Indian T20 spectacle.

Dhoni being a shrewd tactician often uses his troops well enough to help his team remain consistent throughout the course of the season. While talking about Dhoni's leadership, former South Africa international AB de Villiers stated that he believes that the CSK skipper can be intimidating as well. Analysing Dhoni’s captaincy, the former RCB star mentioned that the Bihar-born concentrates on small things and that’s what makes him so successful in the shortest format.

“I feel there is an intimidating factor. Whether it’s the ground or it’s the MSD factor, opposition teams arrive thinking they have to play extraordinary cricket to beat them. But when you look at the scoreboard, you tend to lose by small margins. It’s 10 or 15 runs, being no-ball free, it’s small things that turn a game upside down. MSD and his troops tend to get it right, when they play at home, when they play in big Finals, you’ll see what they come up with,” de Villiers told JioCinema.

Dhoni provides clarity on his retirement rumour

Right after the 15-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, the stumper-batter clarified that he isn’t thinking much about his retirement as there are still eight to nine months to take a call. He will assess his fitness in the meantime and will then come to a conclusion.

“I don’t know, I have 8-9 months to decide. The small auction will be around December so why take that headache now? I have ample time to decide. I’ll always be there for CSK, whether it’s in playing form or sitting somewhere outside, I don't really know. Frankly, it takes a heavy toll, I have been out of home from January, and have been practising since March, it takes a lot, so we will see, I have ample time to decide,” Dhoni mentioned in the post-match presentation.