Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels adjusting to the conditions in UAE will be the biggest challenge for his team though he expects the two-time champion to at least reach the semifinals of this year’s IPL.
“There are players who are coming from the Asia Cup in Dhaka, some even from New Zealand. The challenge is the ability to adapt and perform quickly,” said Dhoni.
Talking about the weather, Dhoni said: “Yes, the weather is slightly different when you compare to Mumbai or Chennai or Kolkata. It is hot and humid. But Delhi has very dry heat and this place is similar to that. It will be a challenge. But sports people crib a lot initially. But you don’t get bothered by it once we start to play.”
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The Super Kings have retained the core of their team comprising Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, West Indian Dwayne Bravo and Dhoni himself. The most successful team in the IPL looks a formidable force as it also boasts the likes of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and the South African T20 skipper Faf du Plessis.
Asked about his team’s chances, Dhoni said: “Consistency at playing well and reaching the semifinals (sic) is our first goal. We can’t say we will win because all it takes is one individual to have a good day. The important thing is to reach the semifinals and then you up your game a bit.” In knockout stages, you play to the best of your potential. That becomes crucial,” the India captain was quoted as saying by the tournament’s official website.