IPL 2023: We gave too many runs in the first six overs – MS Dhoni after loss against RR

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni admitted that they gave too many runs in the first six overs against Rajasthan Royals after their 32-run loss at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur on Thursday. RR scored 64 runs without the loss of any wicket in the Powerplay overs after Sanju Samson decided to bat first.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was the aggressor in the opening alliance as the left-hander scored 40 runs from only 21 balls during the field restrictions. Jaiswal went on to score a fine knock of 77 runs from only 43 balls as he played at the top of his game, scoring runs all around the ground.

Subsequently, the finishing touches were given by Dhruv Jurel, who continues to impress. Jurel scored 34 runs from 15 balls before he was run out by MS Dhoni.

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings openers – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway – could not get going in the Powerplay overs. CSK could only manage 42-1 in the first six overs and it put them on the back foot.

MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, “The target) was quite a bit above par. The reason was the first six overs, gave too many runs, but at the same time the pitch was best to bat on at that time. Even when they were finishing the edges kept going for boundaries. They got par+ score and we were not able to stop the runs.”

Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana was taken for 48 runs in his quota of four overs. The Sri Lankan was a bit unlucky towards the end as the edges went for boundaries and Dhoni reckons the scoreboard doesn’t tell the true story as Pathirana bowled well but didn’t get the results.

He added, “I felt his (Pathirana) bowling was very good, not that he bowled badly. The scorecard doesn’t reflect how well he bowled.”

On the other hand, Dhoni also showered praise on the RR duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.

He concluded, “Yashasvi batted really well, important to go after the bowlers, took calculated risks. It was slightly easier against our bowlers because we had to assess the right lengths. Even then Yashasvi batted well at the top end and at the end Jurel batted really well. I think my first ODI hundred in Vizag gave me some 10 games, but the 183 over here gave me the chance for one year, so this venue is close to my heart.”

Chennai Super Kings will next face Punjab Kings on Sunday at the Chepauk.