Fans of Chennai Super Kings' MS Dhoni cheer before the start of the Indian Premier League match against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 26, 2024. (AFP Photo)
We were looking to bowl first, the wicket is hard and looks similar to the first game. It was a rusty start (against RCB) but we came back well. Everyone showed good intent throughout the innings. Pathirana comes in for Theekshana.
We will bowl first. That match was physically and mentally exhausting. Everyone is well rested and well settled with 10 teams playing. We get enough rest time between matches. It shows the character of the team, the way our bowlers bounced back against Mumbai. Playing with the same team.
Was nice to play the first game in front of a full crowd, always an amazing experience. Coming from NZ and experiencing something like this (crowd support) is really special. They (Gujarat) know how to win, so we need to make sure what we can control, need to do our job as a team and walk away with a win. He (Ruturaj) is a good man, a world-class batter, he is pretty cool, calm and collective like MS. I played the last game here and a couple of games during the (2023) World Cup a few months ago. The characteristics of the pitch are very similar to what we are used to with CSK and I am sure it will continue.
Playing any format for 17 years continuously is definitely tough, but I have always tried to stay fit. That has been my simple logic. I work on my fitness during the off-time. Also recovery is important. With age catching up, just trying to follow a similar routine. Playing IPL to IPL is not that easy, it's high intensity. So I try to play every format in domestic cricket, also try to play club games. I like the atmosphere here, it's outstanding.