MS Dhoni gives a lot of heart attacks to the opposition: KL Rahul

L Rahul, who finished an impressive 2018 Indian Premier League campaign with 659 runs for Kingx XI Punjab, said he was happy to see MS Dhoni rewind the clock and bat with without any pressure.

Dhoni was among the top-scorers for Chennai Super Kings with 455 runs as he led the franchise to their third IPL title. The former India skipper hammered three half-centuries, batted up the order and played several destructive knocks to set the tone for CSK’s successful campaign.

Dhoni first announced his intention against KXIP with his highest ever IPL score. He almost took the Super Kings home in a thrilling run-chase but KXIP prevailed in a tight finish in Mohali.

Rahul said although he enjoyed watching Dhoni bat on TV, it is nerve-wracking as the opposition.

“I always enjoy watching Mahi bhai bat on TV.. I enjoy it. The way he won matches was wonderful to see. It was great to see him back as captain and he won the IPL again,” Rahul told India Today in an exclusive chat. “That speaks highly about him as a person and a leader. Absolutely enjoyed watching him hit those sixes. He gives a lot of heart attacks to the opposition which is good to see.”

Rahul’s own form was superb. After being released by Royal Challengers Bangalore, he was bought by KXIP for Rs 11 crore in the auction and he delivered with the fastest ever half-century in the IPL.

He slammed five more half-centuries in the course of the next several weeks and was often the bulwark of the batting line-up but even his genius could not help KXIP make it to the play-offs.

Rahul was happy with his own form and said it was a great experience to be a part of a a new franchise and play under the leadership of R Aswhin.

Rahul, in fact, said Ashwin was a balanced leader who remained composed after wins and even more so after defeats. The Bangalore stylist vehemently denied the long break after their first few matches hampered the side in any which way.

“What can I say? Happy I performed well in the IPL. This was a big year for me. Every year is a big year. But it was a new franchise and it was a great experience overall.

“The two months we spent together – it was something very new. Coming from a different franchise was.. a very new experience,” he said.

“It’s not that we could not get back our winning momentum after the break. The T20 format was very tricky. In the second half, it was different.

“Ashwin was very calm – he spent a lot of time with the bowlers. He understands what the bowlers are thinking about. It’s the same with the batsmen as well. He understands what bowlers go through after a bad day. He was very relaxed as a captain, very well balanced,” Rahul said.

Rahul was full of praise for his opening partner Chris Gayle. The two had played together for RCB but in KXIP, they got to open the innings together and made the most of their opportunities.

Gayle smashed two fifties and a hundred in his first three matches for KXIP and wat one point, the team looked invincible.

“Chris Gayle an entertainer on and off the field. If he fires, no team can stop him. We are assured of a win. It was great to see him play the way he did this year. He was hungry. Our relationship from the past carried on over to the ground. Our role was to be as destructive as possible in the Powerplay.”
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