Learnt the art of finishing games from ‘Mahi bhai’: CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube on Friday revealed he learnt the art of finishing matches from one of the very best in the business — former captain MS Dhoni.

Dube struck an unbeaten 34 off 28 deliveries and stitched an unbroken 66-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja to help CSK chase down the 174-run target set by RCB with six wickets and eight deliveries to spare. The effort helped the Super Kings begin their title defence as well as Ruturaj Gaikwad's reign as captain on a winning note.

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Dhoni, one of the greatest finishers in the history of the sport, did not have to step out to bat in the season opener on Friday in Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium after Dube and Jadeja rescued the defending champions from a tricky position and took them past the finish line in a canter.

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"It was amazing. Finishing the game for Chennai is always something that amazes me. That's what I have learnt from 'Mahi bhai', and I try to do it every game," Dube told IPLT20.com.

"It feels very good when you finish the game like this, especially during the first game of the season. So, it always feels special."

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Chasing a target of 174, CSK were off to a confident start with debutant Rachin Ravindra (37) being the main aggressor. He was also the top scorer for the side.

The talented New Zealander praised his skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for handling the tough chase well.

"It was nice to have a partnership with Rutu. Obviously, he's done this for a long period for Chennai," he told Dube in the IPL video.

"The calming presence that he had and also building the partnership with Jinx (Ajinkya Rahane) was pretty cool in front of the full house. The wicket was beautiful, so it made life a lot easier."

Ravindra was also amazed by the capacity Chepauk crowd cheering at the top of its voice for CSK.

"It was crazy; the crowd was incredible, one of the loudest I have ever experienced. It was unbelievable. Hopefully, we have more wins here to get the crowd going," he concluded.

CSK play their next game against last season's runner-up, Gujarat Titans, in Chennai on Tuesday.

With PTI inputs