MS Dhoni always guides me, I have learnt to be calm in pressure situations from him: Simarjeet Singh

Chennai Super Kings' right-arm pace bowler Simarjeet Singh has said that seniors like Mahendra Singh Dhoni have played a big role in preparing the newcomers for "high-pressure situations".

Chennai Super Kings' pacer Simarjeet Singh attributed his performance in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) to MS Dhoni, saying that seniors like 'Mahi bhai' have played a big role in preparing the newcomers for "high-pressure situations".

Simarjeet, who made his IPL debut for CSK in IPL 2022, took four wickets in the six matches while registering the best figures of 2/27 and an economy of 7.67, which makes him one to look out for in the upcoming seasons.

The tall, skiddy pace bowler, who was a net bowler with the Delhi Capitals and bought by CSK for his base price of Rs 20 lakhs at the mega auction, added that being in the playing XI is something one cannot comprehend sitting on the bench, with the pressure quotient going up several notches.

"Overall it's Mahi bhai. I learnt how to be calm in pressure situations from Mahi (Dhoni) bhai. Watching him on the television is a different thing as one does not know what happens after we finish an over. In reality he always keeps guiding me and pushes me to do better. Mahi bhai told me I bowled well. I can keep listening to his words forever," Simarjeet told CSK TV.

The skiddy pacer also revealed that he was quite nervous before his maiden outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"I was telling everyone that I was not nervous in the first game against SRH. But in reality, I was extremely nervous during that game. When I entered the stadium for the first time, it felt super different with the crowds being back in the stands. There's a lot of difference between sitting on the bench and being a part of the playing eleven. From the outside, I didn't feel the pressure as such.

"I don't want to think about the result. I only want to think about the game, which game gets me better. So, I kept thinking about how I can always give my hundred per cent. Results are not in my hand, what is to happen will happen. I was trying just to stay on my skills first. I was only focusing on showcasing my best skillset," said Simarjeet.