‘Then MSD gave me an indication and I was successful’ - Prashant Solanki highlight's importance of CSK skipper's advice

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disastrous season as they finished in the ninth spot in this year’s IPL. Ravindra Jadeja was appointed the new captain for the franchise but again, the captaincy baton was handed back to MS Dhoni as Jadeja failed to deliver desired results in the first half of the tournament. However, several new players like Prashant Solanki, Mukesh Choudhary, and Maheesh Theekshana delivered some good performances under the leadership of Dhoni.

In a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Prashant Solanki shared an interesting story about the importance of MS Dhoni’s advice from behind the stumps. Solanki was handed a debut against Gujarat Titans (GT) but he failed to take any wicket.

Then, he was again in the playing XI against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the last group stage match. This time he picked up two crucial wickets by conceding 20 runs only. However, he gave credit to the CSK skipper behind his success. In two matches of this season, Solanki grabbed two wickets at an economy of 6.33.

Mahi bhai keeps things very simple: Prashant Solanki

Solanki said: “Mahi bhai keeps things very simple. Whether you’re bowling leg-spin, googly or top-spin, if you’re not giving runs, you are bowling well. He had given us instructions that we have to bowl dot balls because that’s what creates pressure in T20 cricket,”

He said that despite getting hit for a six in the first ball of the second match, Dhoni gave him an indication and that made him successful. Solanki added: “In the second game, I came into the bowl a bit late because we didn’t have a big total and he was shuffling the bowlers around. I was hit for a six off my first ball. Then he (Dhoni) gave me an indication that I have to pull my length back and keep it a little shorter. Let him play strokes on the bigger end. Then I was successful.” 

“He (Hetmyer) hit me for a boundary and then Mahi bhai indicated to me once again to use the bigger side of the ground. I bowled the top spinner on his legs and he miscued it and was out on deep mid-wicket.” Solanki concluded.