After MS Dhoni’s outstanding wicket-keeping in the IPL 2024 opener against RCB on Friday, March 22, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa hailed his hard ethic behind the scenes, comparing him to tennis star Roger Federer.
In his first competitive game since last season’s IPL championship, MS Dhoni looked as sharp as ever behind the wickets, allowing only one bye in 20 overs.
Aside from numerous spectacular saves, the 42-year-old took two catches and used a direct hit to run Anuj Rawat out on the penultimate ball of the innings. MS Dhoni played despite a knee injury in last year’s IPL and had surgery in the offseason to restore full fitness.
In an interview with JioCinema, Robin Uthappa praised MS Dhoni for his unsung behind-the-scenes efforts.
“His knee looks brand new at the moment. The fact that he is jogging and striding well just goes to show he has done the work behind the scenes. Just like Roger Federer. Nobody knows the kind of work ethic he has got, but he turns up in tournaments and looks really good. MS Is doing that.”
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also described how MS Dhoni used tennis practices to recuperate from injuries.
“He is looking good, looking healthy and strong from the looks of it, seems to be batting well. As I said in the past, CSK will play MS Dhoni on a wheelchair. But, I think he has begun well. He will be happy about it. He has been playing tennis, and paddle tennis to keep himself it. He looks as good as gold at the moment.”
Robin Uthappa
MS Dhoni is in his 17th IPL season and handed up the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad only one day before the 2024 season begins.
The champion cricketer guided CSK to their sixth IPL triumph last year with a stunning victory against the Gujarat Titans in the final.
CSK make it eight straight over RCB at home in season opener
CSK maintained their home advantage against RCB, winning their eighth consecutive match in Chennai against their South Indian opponents in the IPL 2024 opener.
The RCB won the toss and chose to bat first on an unexpectedly decent batting surface at the Chepauk Stadium. However, after speeding to 41/0 in four overs, Faf du Plessis and his team collapsed, falling to 78/5 in the 12th over.
However, a magnificent sixth-wicket partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat helped script a remarkable rescue, with RCB posting a substantial 173/6 in 20 overs. However, due to a poor performance by the RCB bowlers, the defending champions easily completed the chase in the 19th over with six wickets remaining.
While IPL rookie Rachin Ravindra scored only 37 runs, CSK saw all six batsmen reach double digits.
Bangladeshi left-arm bowler Mustafizur Rahman was named Player of the Match for his superb stint of 4/29 in four overs.
CSK will resume their home stand with their second encounter against GT on Tuesday, March 26.
Meanwhile, RCB will try to enjoy some home cooking when they face the Punjab Kings in their next match in Bengaluru on Monday, March 25.