IPL 2019: The way Dhoni carries himself is unreal, says Imran Tahir after CSK vs RS match

NEW DELHI: Imran Tahir, the South Africa leg-spinner, lavished praise on MS Dhoni after their Chennai Super Kings side secured a thrilling eight-run win over Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019 on Sunday, 31 March.Tahir starred on the day, returning a solid 2/23, picking the wickets of two set batsmen in Steve Smith and Rahul Tripathi to halt Rajasthan's progress. With six wickets in just three matches, Tahir is the highest wicket-taker so far in the IPL.The South African ace, however, was all praise for Dhoni, who had set the tone for the match with his unbeaten 75*. "You know him well because he has done that so many times," said Tahir. "He works hard on his game plan. He works really really hard, I have to say that. Even in practice sessions, he helps his team-mates. And we respect that."The way he carries himself is just unreal. He won’t say much but he knows how to lift the team up. He is great leader and a great human being."Dhoni's knock was typical of the player – he had a measured start, taking 17 balls to score his first boundary, before upping the ante in the death. The last three balls of the innings were tonked for sixes, meaning his 46-ball knock comprised four sixes and as many fours. He got lucky at times, but there was no denying the impact his innings had. Ben Stokes, the Rajasthan all-rounder, said Dhoni turned the game. "It is obvious what MS Dhoni does. He is one of the world’s greatest finishers," said Stokes. "Especially when he comes early, every team knows what he is going to try and do to start with."And we tried to attack and get him out. But there was a drop catch, which you can’t blame anyone for. And then the ball hit the stumps and the bails did not come off. That was a big moment in the game."Another veteran who starred on the day was Dwayne Bravo. With Rajathan needing 11 runs to win in the final over, Bravo was handed the ball. He gave away just three runs and picked up the wickets of Stokes and Shreyas Gopal to complete Chennai's victory."I’m pretty sure he has been in situations like these in his life," said Tahir. "That’s why he is DJ Bravo. He knew what he wanted to do. He was clear with his plans and he did really well for the team. We are really proud of him."

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