'To overcome Dhoni's tactics...': Harbhajan Singh on how MI outperformed CSK in pressure situations

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Oct 4, 2024, 17:02 IST

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MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are the most successful IPL captains with five titles each, but Rohit's Mumbai Indians have historically bested Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in finals. Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh explains how MI consistently outperform CSK in crucial games and praises both captains for inspiring their teams to victory.

'To overcome Dhoni's tactics...': Harbhajan Singh on how MI outperformed CSK in pressure situations

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are the two most successful captains in IPL history, each boasting five titles. However, when their teams clashed in IPL finals, it was Rohit's Mumbai Indians that came out on top, defeating Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings on three occasions.
Harbhajan Singh, a former Indian spinner who represented both MI and CSK, shared his insights on the rivalry between the two franchises. He pointed out that MI consistently outperformed CSK in high-pressure scenarios.
He also elaborated on how Mumbai Indians managed to gain an upper hand over Dhoni's team and their strategies
"The tricks Dhoni used to come up with, we worked to find a solution.In pressure situations, MI did better than CSK. When I left MI to join CSK, I got a lot of love. Bowled well and won a championship, got a runners-up medal as well," he said during a chat with Sports Yaari.

"In that match (IPL 2018), Dwayne Bravo's magical batting and Kedar Jadhav's show earned CSK the title. Else, MI would've won again. To overcome Dhoni, you have to think better, play your cards better. It isn't easy. MI have done it as they had better players and the planning was also good," Harbhajan said, recalling the IPL 2018 opener between the two sides.
Harbhajan emphasized that both Dhoni and Rohit have led their teams effectively, inspiring others to win. He acknowledged that each captain, including Ganguly, Kohli, and Dhoni, has contributed to the team's progress, with the focus now on building even further success.
"Why do you compare the two? Dhoni led the team and took it forward, Rohit is also doing the same. Every cup you win, you put hope in others. That is important. The better captain is the one who inspires you to win. If we talk about achievements, Rohit is not lesser than Dhoni. Dada, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit, everyone has contributed in their own way to take the team forward. Now, the fight is within to take the team even a step further," Harbhajan further added.

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TOI Sports Desk

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