Former Mumbai cricketer Aditya Tare has strongly backed the inclusion of MS Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing XI ahead of their crucial IPL fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, emphasizing the veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s unmatched experience and leadership value in high-pressure situations.

Speaking in a media interaction, Tare said CSK “need MS Dhoni more than ever” and suggested that if the former captain is fit, he should feature in the match in any capacity. He specifically highlighted Dhoni’s wicketkeeping ability, noting that his presence behind the stumps for the full 20 overs could be a decisive factor. While acknowledging Sanju Samson’s capabilities, Tare stressed that Dhoni’s experience provides an added edge in tight encounters.

Tare further pointed out that CSK’s squad includes several young players who would benefit significantly from Dhoni’s on-field guidance. He mentioned that debutants Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, in particular, could gain confidence and composure by playing alongside a seasoned leader like Dhoni. According to him, Dhoni’s constant communication with bowlers and tactical inputs remain one of CSK’s biggest strengths.

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The former cricketer also underlined Dhoni’s continued influence on the team’s core leadership group, especially in supporting captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and mentoring bowlers during pressure situations. He argued that Dhoni’s presence often helps younger players handle high-stakes moments more effectively, giving CSK a strategic advantage.

Tare’s remarks also came amid broader IPL discussions, where he reflected on recent performances, including Gujarat Titans’ successful chase against Kolkata Knight Riders. He praised GT captain Shubman Gill for his composed innings, highlighting his ability to anchor the chase with controlled stroke play and effective rotation of strike.

Gill’s innings, Tare noted, demonstrated maturity and tactical awareness in the middle overs, which ultimately guided Gujarat Titans to victory. He added that such performances underline the importance of composure under pressure in T20 cricket, drawing parallels to how experienced leaders like Dhoni influence outcomes through calm decision-making and game awareness.

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