IPL 2023: MS Dhoni puts onus on batsmen for CSK's loss against RR

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings suffered a narrow loss at the hands of RR at Chepauk on Wednesday.

In yet another close finish in the IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings by 3 runs. It was a tight game for the battle to go to the top of the points table. MS Dhoni as usual was at his best in chasing the target but Sandeep Sharma’s brilliance in the last 3 balls changed the result. Rajasthan Royals once again had a wonderful performance by the top order. Jos Buttler and number 3 Devdutt Padikkal added 77 runs to give RR a foundation for the big score. Yet the slow wicket at Chepauk stopped them at a modest 175 run mark. CSK while chasing also had a good second wicket partnership but their middle order collapsed against Royals spinners.

MS Dhoni puts onus on CSK batters

Captaining his 200th game for Chennai in the IPL, MS Dhoni had also blamed the batters for the loss against the Royals. They lost 4 wickets in 21 runs after a superb second wicket partnership by Ajinkya Rahane and Devon Conway. Talking about the batting MS Dhoni said, “There was not a lot for spinners, but in the middle there were too many dot balls, if the surface stopping and turning then it is fine but that was not the case here”. MS Dhoni was unmoved by the milestone he touched. With his modesty he said this does not make a lot of difference, what matters is how you are enjoying the cricket. "I really didn't know it was my 200th (Match as CSK captain in IPL) and milestones don't really matter for me, it is about how you're performing and the results.", added MSD

Sanju Samson happy to execute RR's plan

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson very cunningly used his spinners against CSK's middle order. All three of them took 5 wickets of CSK combinedly in 12 overs to help RR go over the line by 3 runs. Talking about the strategy Sanju said, “The ball was gripping and hence we brought Adam Zampa in as an impact player… we knew if we get out of the power play nicely then we have the spinners to do the job”. Talking about the tight finish he said, “Last two overs were tense, I tried to push it deep but you are never safe with Dhoni (that guy). You have to have respect for him and nothing works against him”. Dhoni almost won the game for CSK with his cameo.

Ravichandran Ashwin running high on confidence

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded player of the match for his all round performance. Ashwin coming in to bat at number 4 scored 30 runs in 22 balls, in bowling he picked up 2 wickets and also contained CSK’s middle order from scoring. He gave away only 25 runs in his 4 overs. Talking about his performance he said, “I had to do a job, I am far better at judging my strengths. I take a few balls to get going every batting innings”. Ashwin was also happy about his bowling and said that he is coming off a good test form and he is getting good drop and grip on the ball.