IPL 2023: MS Dhoni blames middle order for setback against Titans

The power of Pathan from Afghanistan Rashid Khan made Gujarat Titans victorious against Chennai Super Kings with his cameo of 10 runs in 3 balls. Gujarat Titans have defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in the opening game of Indian Premier League 2023.

Defending Champions Gujarat started their campaign on a positive note. Opener Shubhman Gill, with his 63 runs inning built the foundation for Gujarat while 179 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chennai Super Kings posted a total of 178 runs in their quota of 20 overs.

Unhappy with Middle Order, MS comes with a warning.

Rashid Khan picked up two wickets to help curtail CSK batting when Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad were on the verge of building an inning. CSK Captain, in the post-match presentation, expressed that they were short of 15-20 runs in the inning.

Gujarat Titans bowling unit tried their best to curtail CSK under 180. MS Dhoni looked disappointed with his batting unit as well. MS Dhoni said, “We could have batted properly in the middle overs as opposed to trying to muscle the ball”. CSK lost momentum in the middle overs due to the lack of big partnerships.

Happy Pandya still have a lesson to learn after the victory.

Four-time IPL winner captain also praised CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and said he has groomed himself nicely and can make great decisions under pressure. Ruturaj played a 92 runs knock for CSK. Rashid, on the other hand, Gujarat captain Hardik Pandya expressed joy in winning the opening game of the IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans, after a great start, look shaky in the middle overs.

Captain Pandya voiced concern over this and said, “ We did put ourselves in a difficult situation… my shot and Shubhman's shot was not the best; we need to ensure we do not put the responsibility on the lower order every time”.

Leg Spinner Rashid Khan was awarded Player of the match for his two crucial wickets and a short cameo of 10 runs in 3 deliveries. Rashid picked up wickets when CSK were developing little partnerships. Rashid’s bowling helped Gujarat contain CSK under 180.

Rashid, after the game, said that he is happy that he got Player of the match and will put on his best energy in the entire competition for the Titans. Rashid is certainly turning into a dangerous lower-order batsman, he said, “I have been batting a lot in the nets, and the results are here to see”. Rashid hit the first two balls for a six and a four, respectively to seal the game for Gujarat Titans.

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