I'm Sure MS Dhoni Must Have Had Sleepless Nights While Leading CSK In IPL 13: Gautam Gambhir

Giving his take on CSK's nightmarish outing in the thirteenth edition of the IPL, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has said that even skipper Dhoni would've had sleepless nights despite his strong relationship with CSK's team management.

(PTI)

The thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) has witnessed many first of sorts amid the marquee T20 league being played in the new bio secure norm amid the Covid-19 pandemic threat still looming large in the Middle East Asian nation. With the race intensifying for the playoffs, one major talking point among the cricketing circles has been the rather shocking elimination of the 3-time champions CSK from the race to secure a knockout berth. It will be for the very first time that CSK wont be featuring in the playoffs of the flagship Indian T20 league. Giving his take on CSK's nightmarish outing in the thirteenth edition of the IPL, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has said that even skipper Dhoni would've had sleepless nights despite his strong relationship with CSK's team management. Dhoni who successfully led CSK to 3 titles holds a very deep bond with the CSK owners, think tank and the millions of 'Whistle Podu' fans. "I keep saying that why CSK is CSK is because of the relationship between the owners and the captain. They have given all the freedom to MS, and MS has received all the mutual respect from the owners as well," Gambhir told ESPNCricinfo. "What he has done for the franchise and how the franchise actually deals with MS and treats MS is a fabulous relationship," he added. Along with CSK's horrid run in the tournament, Dhoni's woeful form with the willow and his bizarre decisions as captaincy have also been under the radar this year. Dhoni was nowhere close to his best as a finisher par excellence for CSK as he struggled to rotate strike and get his innings going. Gambhir felt that despite CSK's worst possible season in the IPL, the franchise owners might retain the iconic stalwart as their captain for next year too. "So I would not be surprised if they continue with MS and MS plays till the time he wants to play. And then next year he still continues to be the captain and have a much different squad than what he has this time around." "MS has won them three trophies, couple of Champions Leagues, he has made them one of the top successful sides in the IPL after Mumbai Indians," Gambhir said. Earlier, CSK CEO CEO Kasi Viswanath had also revealed that the franchise is planning to retain Dhoni for the next IPL season too. Commenting on Dhoni's loyalty towards CSK, Gambhir said that the Chennai skipper must've had sleepless nights while being at the helm. "So CSK saying they are going to continue with MS - it is just the relationship, it is just the mutual respect. That's why MS has been so loyal. That's why MS has given everything: heart and soul, his sweat, sleepless nights - I'm sure he must have had sleepless nights while he has continued captaining CSK," said Gambhir.