Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni believes conceding too many runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium was a major reason for CSK’s defeat. CSK bowlers leaked runs throughout the innings but especially in the first six overs.
At the end of the powerplay, CSK conceded 64 runs for no wicket. This laid the groundwork for Rajasthan to set a target considering the average runs scored in the first innings.
“It (the goal) was a bit over the top. The reason is that the first six overs give more runs, but at the same time, the pitch is better for batting at that time. They kept the edges even while finishing. Going to boundaries. They got an even score and we couldn’t stop the runs,” CSK captain MS Dhoni said after the match.
Every CSK bowler conceded plenty of runs in their bowling but CSK skipper Madisha Pathirana was exceptional with the ball as he conceded 48 runs in 4 overs. “I felt his (Pathirana) bowling was very good, not that he bowled badly. The scorecard doesn’t reflect how well he bowled.”
Rajasthan opener Yashshvi Jaiswal scored 77(43) to put the CSK bowlers on edge. Tusshar Deshpande took his wicket in the 14th over, but the damage was already done.
“Yashaswi batted very well, it was important to follow the bowlers and took calculated risks. It was a bit easier against our bowlers as we had to judge the right length. Still Yashaswi top end and in the end, Jural batted really good. I think my first ODI century in Visakhapattnam gave me good games, but scoring 183 here gave me a chance for a year, so this ground is close to my heart,” concluded Dhoni.
CSK will play their next match against Punjab Kings on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.