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.