'There is always tension when MS Dhoni is batting' - Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have started their IPL 2022 journey with a comfortable win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Fielding first, they managed to put pressure on the defending champions and restricted them to just 73 runs after 15 overs.

However, the veteran, MS Dhoni, had some other plans. He smashed Andre Russell for three boundaries in the 18th over, struck a four and a six in the penultimate over and two crucial boundaries in the final over guided the team to a decent total of 131 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

While chasing, KKR got off to a steady start, with Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer adding 43 runs. Although they faced a few hiccups, Shreyas Iyer (20) and Sam Billings (25) stitched a steady stand and took the team to the finish line within 18.3 overs.

Shreyas Iyer said after the emphatic win, "There is always tension when MS Dhoni is batting. I knew momentum was going to shift towards them with the dew around. It wasn't easy to grip the ball. CEO, management, support staff have been outstanding. We need to carry the momentum in the upcoming matches. It was spongier than we imagined. This is one place I love to play. I grew up here. I thought the track would be flat. It was pretty easy for me with the bowling lineup I had. Umesh has worked hard in the nets and did well in the practice games. Chuffed to see him perform today."

It was a great day for the pace-spearhead Umesh Yadav, who registered figures of 4-0-20-2 and helped his side with much-needed breakthroughs. 

After the match, he said, "Getting the man of the match award after two years, and I am thrilled with the performance. I haven't played white-ball cricket for a while, and thanks to the head coach and captain for trusting me and telling me that I will be in the starting eleven. I am working on my rhythm because after having played a lot of Tests, the rhythm is such that when you have to start, you've got to land in the right areas to extract the swing. 

As a fast bowler and out-swing bowler, you always feel good to get a wicket in the first over, which helps build the pressure. Usually, I take my training and work ethic very seriously and feeling really well."

On the other hand, the match was memorable for the KKR keeper Sheldon Jackson, who also considers MS Dhoni his inspiration. And, playing against him always gives a special feeling to every player who looks up to Dhoni. However, Sheldon has also revealed that he tried to learn Dhoni's famous helicopter shots.

"In the start, I had nerves, but the management and coaching staff are brilliant. They helped me calm down, backed me, and I am very grateful to them. He (MS Dhoni) always has been my inspiration. I always looked up to him, and whatever he does, I try to imitate it, and I have a lot to look at and learn from him. Learning a lot (On playing the helicopter shot) and picking up quite a lot from him (MSD)." Jackson said after the game.

KKR had a positive start to the tournament and will now play their second match against RCB on March 30.