Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pace bowler Simarjeet Singh took a cue from skipper MS Dhoni during the IPL 2022.
Simarjeet, 24, was part of CSK’s inexperienced bowling unit this season and played six games for the four-time IPL winners in the later part of the group stage. The right-arm pace bowler accounted for four wickets including the one of MI skipper Rohit Sharma.
MS Dhoni always keeps guiding me: Simarjeet Singh
MS Dhoni is well known for being calm under crunch situations and turning the tables with his acumen. Simarjeet made his cut in CSK’s playing XI only after Dhoni was reinstated in the captain’s role.
The Delhi pace bowler mentioned how Dhoni has been a guiding force in his debut season in the lucrative tournament.
Simarjeet also opened up on being anxious during his first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 1.
“Overall it’s Mahi bhai. I learnt how to be calm in pressure situations from Mahi (Dhoni) bhai. Watching him on the television is a different thing as one does not know what happens after we finish an over. In reality, he always keeps guiding me and pushes me to do better. Mahi bhai told me I bowled well. I can keep listening to his words forever,” Simarjeet told CSK TV.
“I was telling everyone that I was not nervous in the first game against SRH. But in reality, I was extremely nervous during that game. When I entered the stadium for the first time, it felt super different with the crowds being back in the stands. There’s a lot of difference between sitting on the bench and being a part of the playing eleven. From the outside, I didn’t feel the pressure as such,” he added.
Don’t want to think about the result: Simarjeet Singh
Simarjeet also mentioned that he isn’t concerned about the results and rather would stick with the process of giving his absolute best.
“I don’t want to think about the result. I only want to think about the game, which game gets me better. So, I kept thinking about how I can always give my hundred per cent. Results are not in my hand, what is to happen will happen. I was trying just to stay on my skills first. I was only focusing on showcasing my best skillset,” said Simarjeet.
CSK finished in ninth place on the table with just four wins in the league stage. Dhoni confirmed his availability for the franchise in IPL 2023.