IPL 2023: CSK captain MS Dhoni slams bowlers for the loss against PBKS

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings lost to Punjab Kings by 4 wickets.

In a thrilling run chase, Punjab Kings defeated Chennai Super Kings by 4 wickets. Punjab Kings needed 3 runs off the last ball and Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza scored the winning runs for Punjab Kings. Batting first, Chennai Super Kings gave 201 runs target to Punjab. CSK openers were once again on fire against Punjab. Ruturaj Gaikwad (37) and Devon Conway added 86 for the first wicket. After getting a good start, Devon Conway took charge of the innings with his unbeaten 92 runs inning in 52 balls. Conway’s knock helped CSK touch the 200 mark at Chepauk. Punjab in response had a fiery start where captain Shikhar Dhawan (28) along with Prabhsimran Singh (42) added 50 runs in just 4 overs. Punjab’s start was enough to give them a chance in a mammoth run chase. Punjab, with a few partnerships in the middle overs, had control in the chase. In the end, PBKS came out victorious with 4 wickets and earned two points.

Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni was not impressed with CSK’s bowling in the middle overs. MS Dhoni said, “We lost it in a couple of overs in the middle. You need to be aware of what you need to bowl and be clear because the batters will be going for it”. Liam Livingstone (40) and Sam Curran (29) held their nerves during the chase in the middle overs. They both added 57 runs in 5 overs. Matheesa Pathirana bowled an excellent final over but he failed to defend 9 runs in 6 balls. Pathirana was on the spot while bowling Yorkers at the end. MS Dhoni said, “I think 200 was par but we bowled two bad overs. Pathirana bowled well but other than that, we need to see if the plan was or the execution was bad”. Tushar Deshpande picked up 3 wickets for CSK.

Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan had a blistering start at Chepauk. His 28 runs in the first 4 overs set the tone for Punjab Kings chase. After the win Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan was jubilant. Shikhar Dhawan said, “It feels very special beating Chennai in Chennai. I am very happy with the way we played. It shows great character on our side to bounce back from that loss”. Punjab had a disappointing game against Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab gave away 257 runs in 20 overs against Lucknow. Captain Shikhar was pleased with PBKS bowling effort, He said, “I was very happy with the way the bowlers bowled. At first when I saw it, I thought the wicket was dry but it had gone bounce”.

Chennai Super Kings opener Devon Conway was awarded Player of the Match for his 92 runs inning. Conway had a brilliant opening stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad. They added 86 runs for the first wicket and then Devon Conway with his proper cricketing shots helped CSK score 200. Conway was disappointed with the loss. He said, “We felt it was a little bit slow when you hit the wicket. We thought 200 was a very competitive total so we were a little bit disappointed that we lost”. Talking about his batting Conway said, “I try to work as closely as I can with Mike Hussey. We have got a lot of experience in our camp and just try to work with them”. Conway smashed 16 fours and a six in his unbeaten 92 runs inning.