Cricket

IPL 2023: We could not rotate strike in the middle overs – MS Dhoni after loss against RR

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni feels they could not rotate the strike in the middle overs and it led to their three-run loss against Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday. CSK had to chase down 176 runs at their home ground and Dhoni believes the batters should take ownership of the loss.

CSK suffered a collapse in the middle overs as they lost 5-35, which pushed them on the back foot. Thus, the required run rate kept soaring high and it became quite difficult for them.

Meanwhile, RR posted 175-8 after Dhoni won the toss and decided to bowl first. Jos Buttler scored 52 runs whereas Devdutt Padikkal, making a return to the XI, added a decent knock of 38 runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin was promoted in the batting order and he also played a crucial knock of 30 runs after getting off to a tortoise start. Hetmyer also added the finishing touches with 18-ball 30 but Dhoni was happy with the team’s bowling performance.

On the other hand, CSK got off to a poor start with the bat as they lost in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad early in the innings. Devon Conway scored 50 runs from 38 balls but he failed to change the gears. Towards the end, 40 runs were needed off the final two overs with Dhoni and Jadeja at the crease.

However, Sandeep Sharma was able to hold his nerves against MS Dhoni, who smashed two sixes in the final over. CSK needed seven off the last three balls but Sharma was able to nail the yorkers, which he had missed earlier in the same over.

MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “I think in the middle overs we needed a bit more strike rotation, there wasn’t much for the spinners but they had experienced spinners and we could not rotate strike. It was not that difficult and the ownership (of the loss) should come from the batters. It was good that we could reach striking distance (of the target) as we were the last pair. It really affects NRR when you get to the last phase of the tournament.”

He added, “You see the field, see the bowler and what the bowler is trying to do, and after that just stand still and wait for them to commit the mistake, if they bowl in good areas then good luck to them. I would wait for it and that is something that has worked for me, you need to back your strength and my strength is to hit straight. There was a bit of dew and once the ball went to the outfield it became easier for the batters. Overall I was very happy with the bowlers. I really didn’t know it was my 200th (game as CSK skipper) and milestones don’t really matter for me, it is about how you’re performing and the results.”

CSK will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024