Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni took the blame on his shoulders after their two-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday. Chasing 214 runs for the win, CSK was on the right track but could not get over the line.
The visitors needed 15 runs off the final over but Yash Dayal was able to keep his nerves despite going for a six. Dhoni, who scored 12 runs off eight balls, was dismissed in the final over by Dayal but the CSK captain said he should have converted more shots.
Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 77 runs off 45 balls whereas young Ayush Mhatre scored an impressive knock of 94 runs but their efforts went in vain as Chennai’s losing streak continued.
MS Dhoni said after the loss, “When I went into bat, with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should’ve converted a couple more shots to ease the pressure. I take the blame.”
Dhoni showered praise on RCB all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who completed his fifty off just 14 balls and played a key role in helping the hosts post 213 runs on the board.
Dhoni added, “They got off to a good start, in between we pulled it back, but Romario Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he was able to get maximum runs. We need to practice more yorkers. More often than not, when the batters start to connect, you have to rely on yorkers. Also the margin of error (yorkers provide) – so if you’re looking for a perfect yorker, if that doesn’t happen, a low full toss is the next best thing.”
Speaking on plan B if bowlers fail to execute the yorkers, “It’s one of the most difficult balls to hit. Somebody like Pathirana, if the yorker isn’t happening, he has got pace. He can bowl the bouncer and keep the batter guessing. At times if he’s looking for yorkers, batters are looking to line it up and if he misses, batters have a chance of hitting. It can be used, but not all batters are comfortable playing it (the scoop). If it comes naturally, then definitely.”
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
