MS Dhoni blames batters for CSK’s loss against RCB

MS Dhoni blamed his batters for not being able to take the team home against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Pune. The team couldn’t chase down 174 runs in their 20 overs and managed only 160. This 13-run loss almost put CSK out of contention for the play-offs of the IPL 2022.

The defending champions, who are currently at the ninth spot in the points table, were supposed to win all their matches to stay in the hunt for the playoffs.

The team even came up with a change in captaincy a couple of matches ago to make sure they stay in the hunt. However, a loss here almost removes them from the contention. MS Dhoni had to take up the captaincy after Ravindra Jadeja stepped down. He began the stint with a win but couldn’t make it two in a row against RCB.

MS Dhoni Not Happy with CSK’s Batting Unit

During the post-match presentation after losing to RCB, Dhoni said that the batters had let the team down.

“We did well to restrict them to 170-odd runs. We had to get off to a good start, everything was up to the mark and what let us down was the batsmanship,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

CSK did begin well and raced to the 50-run mark in the sixth over without losing a wicket but after the powerplay, they couldn’t keep up the momentum, and as a result, wickets began to fall.

Dhoni went on to question the shot selection of the batters who couldn’t take the team home despite a good bowling performance.

“When you are chasing you know what is required and at times you have to curb your instinct and see what really the situation is demanding rather than playing your shots.

“The shot selection could have been better towards the end. We had a good start and had wickets in hand, the surface kept getting better but we lost wickets at regular intervals. We can look back at some of the shots if we take care of those things.. chasing is about calculations and batting first is more about instinct. Ultimately as a batter or bowler, you are in the middle and you have to decide,” he added.

Meanwhile, Faf du Plessis appreciated his teammates and said that this was a much-needed win after three consecutive losses.

“We definitely needed that. We put up a decent total. We are moving in the right direction. We have been very good in the bowling department,” said RCB skipper.

“I thought 165 would be nice to get. The fielding was amazing. Some great catching and good bowling indeed. We want one of the top four to bat through”

Harshal Patel was awarded the player of the match for his three wickets in the middle overs. He eventually ended with 3 for 35.

“I think in the first over, the slower balls I tried to bowl it into the wicket but it kind of floated on to the bat. I have been trying to improve my sequencing,” he said.

With this win, RCB moves to the 4th spot in the points table with six wins and five losses from their eleven outings. They will meet SRH, PBKS and GT next. The team will have to win all three matches to qualify directly without depending on the other team’s results.