Chennai Super Kings’ stand-in skipper MS Dhoni took responsibility for the team’s narrow defeat after they faltered in a promising run-chase against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Chasing a target of 214, CSK were in a strong position with just 42 runs required from 21 balls when Dhoni joined a well-set Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. The seasoned pair needed to score 35 from the final three overs, with dew potentially aiding the batting side.
However, momentum dipped in the 18th over as they managed only six runs off Suyash Sharma’s over. Despite Dhoni launching a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the penultimate over, the game slipped away. Needing 15 in the last over, Dhoni was dismissed by Yash Dayal — the same bowler who had sent him back in a similar scenario during last season’s match in Bengaluru.
Shivam Dube, who walked in after Dhoni’s dismissal, smashed a six off a no-ball, bringing the target down to six from three. Still, CSK couldn’t cross the line.
Should’ve converted more shots: Dhoni
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Dhoni admitted during the post-match presentation, “Looking at that over and the runs required, I feel I should have converted a couple more shots. That would have made things easier. So yes, I’ll take the blame for that.”
While the batters couldn’t see the chase through, the bowlers too were under the spotlight. The late assault by Romario Shepherd, who smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 14 deliveries, proved to be a major factor in setting up RCB’s challenging total.