Imran Tahir credits MS Dhoni for his match-winning 4 for 27 against KKR

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued with their solid run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 on Sunday by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 5 wickets at the Eden Gardens. It was the CSK’s seventh win of the tournament and the second over the Knights after their 7-wicket win in Chennai last week. Spinner Imran Tahir was picked the man of the match by taking 4 wickets for 27 runs in the game to restrict the home team to 161 for 7 despite a stormy 51-ball 82 from opener Chris Lynn.

The South African leg-spinner has been in good form this IPL by taking 13 wickets in eight games so far with the 4 for 27 being his best bowling figures. The 40-year-old bowler later credited his captain Mahendra Sing Dhoni for his match-winning show saying he reaped the benefits by bowling as per Dhoni’s instructions.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Tahir said, “I just bowled according to the captain’s instructions. It’s always beneficial taking advice from Dhoni. He’s helping me a lot. It’s an absolute pleasure and the credit goes to him.” Tahir said Dhoni advises him on things like where to bowl and where the batsmen eye to hit and it’s working out well for him. He said the CSK are playing well as a whole unit and that he and Dhoni respect each other and enjoy each other’s success.

“He tells me like this guy is trying to hit in this area so I bowl accordingly. I am an attacking spinner and want to take wickets and he allows me to bowl that way,” Tahir added.

Tahir dismissed Lynn and Russell in the same over to put brakes on

Tahir bowled the over that proved to be the turning point of the game. He dismissed the dangerous Lynn and Andre Russell (10 off four) in the 15th over after which the KKR could not accelerate their scoring and managed only 29 runs in the next 31 balls.
“He (Russell) hit me for four and a six which was fine. In the end, I got his wicket which was very important for the team more than personal achievement. He’s such a good player especially at the death so it’s a pleasure to get him out,” Tahir, who recently decided to hang up his boots post the upcoming World Cup, said.

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