Csk's Early Exit Blessing In Disguise: Ms Dhoni

CHENNAI: Although disappointed with Chennai Super Kings' ouster from the Champions League T20, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni feels that it will be a "blessing in disguise" ahead of his team's important ODI series against England which starts from October 14.

"That's the only blessing in disguise, a few days off, not that we have earned it, but a bit of rest will help us," said CSK skipper Dhoni.

Dhoni has been playing near non-stop cricket for a long time now, his only break coming during the five-match one-day series in the West Indies in June.

India play five ODIs and a Twenty20 international against England at home.

Apart from Dhoni, Suresh Raina and R Ashwin are two other Indian ODI players in the CSK squad.

Meanwhile, David Warner smashed a blistering unbeaten 69-ball 135 as 2009 champions New South Wales put up a determined show to beat the defending champions Chennai by 46 runs to join Mumbai Indians from Group-A in the semifinals of the Champions League here today.

Electing to bat, New South Wales posted an imposing 201 for two, riding on Warner's second Twenty20 ton. In their reply, Super Kings could muster just 155 before being all out in 18.5 overs.

"Getting 200 became a difficult task when our big-hitters departed. That is very important to get the big hitters out of the game, you don't want them to bat 15 overs but want to get them in the powerplay," said Dhoni.

Man-of-the-match Warner said that he has learnt a lot in the last few years and his efforts paid off today.

"Tonight was my night, I have been practicing the switch hit a long time now in the nets. It paid off today. I have learnt a lot in the last few years, that has come through playing more four-day cricket back home," he said.

NSW captain Simon Katich heaped praise on Warner and said, "the way he batted was simply outstanding, he constructed his innings superbly."

Posted in: Breaking News