Pietersen thinks the Chennai Super Kings skipper is the reason they are top of the table.
England and Delhi Daredevils batsman Kevin Pietersen believes that Chennai Super Kings are top of the 2013 IPL table because of captain MS Dhoni.
Pietersen thinks that Dhoni’s skill as both a batsman and a skipper has propelled CSK to where they are now.
The Super Kings have been one of the greatest success stories in the IPL since its inauguration in 2008, winning successive titles in 2010 and 2011 and also reaching two other finals.
Dhoni’s team add the Champions League to their list of trophies as well and after seven back-to-back victories this season, Chennai look set for yet another play-off finish.
“The reason why CSK are so successful is that MS is such a clever captain in Indian conditions,” Pietersen was quoted on Hindustan Times.
The 32-year-old has had to watch the tournament from the sidelines, as a knee injury picked up on international duty in New Zealand ruled Pietersen out for the entire competition.
The South African-born cricketer’s franchise Delhi have struggled without him and look unlikely to finish in the top four.
Yet Pietersen does not think his absence has been the entire cause for that.
“It’s flattering to hear that but I don’t think it’s the only reason. We also didn’t have Viru (Sehwag) for the initial matches, Morne (Morkel) and Roelof (Van der Merwe) had domestic commitments.”
The Three Lions star will also miss the series with New Zealand later this month through injury, as well as the Champions Trophy – although England fans are hoping he will be fit in time for the Ashes in July.
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