Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni said he played a "crucial" knock but admitted that he was out of form in the IPL 2021.
CSK defeated Delhi Capitals by four wickets in Qualifier 1 as Dhoni returned to form with a much needed 18 off six balls.
"My innings was a crucial one. Delhi has a very good bowling attack. They exploited the conditions well, so we knew it would be tough. I've not done a lot in the tournament, so wanted to look for the ball and see what the bowler can do," said Dhoni during the post-match presentation.
"I was batting well in the nets. But wasn't thinking too much, if you think too much while batting then you mess your plans up," he added.
Speaking about promoting Shardul Thakur up the order, Dhoni said, "Shardul has done decent batting, as has Deepak. He/they are allowed to go for the shots from the first ball, unlike other top-order batters."
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa smashed their respective fifties before Dhoni's cameo fired CSK to the final of IPL 2021.
"Robin enjoys batting at the top but Moeen has been excellent at No. 3. But we have created a situation where either of them could bat at No. 3 depending on the situation and the opposition," said Dhoni.
"Whenever Ruturaj and I have a chat, it's a simple chat. Want to know what he was thinking. It's good to see how well he has improved. He is someone willing to bat 20 overs," he added.
Further speaking about CSK's form in this year's IPL, Dhoni said, "Last season was the first time we didn't qualify into playoffs. But we wanted to just make use of the 3-4 games left last season, and a lot of our batters made use of that. That is the reason why we have come back strongly this season."
( With inputs from ANI )
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