Veteran spinner Imran Tahir described Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as ‘unreal’, saying he has capacity to lift the team up even without talking much.

CSK secured a thrilling eight-run win over Rajasthan Royals in its Indian Premier League clash here on Sunday. Dhoni hit an unbeaten knock of 75 off 46 balls to guide his team to a respectable total of 175 under challenging conditions. “The way he carries himself is just unreal. 

He won’t say much, but he knows how to lift the team up. He is a great leader and a great human being,” Tahir said at the post-match press conference.

The South African also credited the former Indian team captain for living up to his reputation of being one of the best finishers. “You know Dhoni plays really well in these situations and that’s why he’s called Mr Cool. He works hard on his game plan. Even in practice sessions, he helps his teammates.

 

And we respect that. While batting, Mahi bhai played unbelievably well and set the tone for us,” he told reporters.

  

“I think as a bowling group, we did really well. I’m just really happy with whatever we did as a team,” the 40-year-old added. In the opening encounter, the strip at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was criticised for being a rank turner. But, Tahir felt that the conditions were not favourable for the bowlers on Sunday, with dew being a factor.

 

“We have to prepare ourselves, we were not expecting that much dew. We have to practice with the wet ball going forward.” The leg-spinner said he had to dig deep into his reservoir of experience to counter the due. “I am feeling very good, very proud. It was there (dew), I tried to use my experience but the ball was really wet. It’s always nerves. 

It’s the passion and respect I have for the game. I don’t take anything for granted. Whenever I am playing, I try to contribute to my team,” he concluded.