IPL 2020: ‘We are lacking steam in the batting department’, says Dhoni after CSK’s heavy loss to DC

Delhi Capitals thrashed Chennai Super Kings by 44 runs in Dubai on Friday.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni acknowledged that his team was lacking steam in the batting department during its 44-run defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dubai on Friday (September 25).

See Also: Shreyas Iyer lauds DC's all-round performance after massive win over CSK 

Chasing 176 to win, CSK could only aggregate 131/7 in 20 overs. It was a listless performance as none of the batsmen except for Faf du Plessis (43 off 35 balls) managed to touch the 30-run mark.

"I don't think it was a good game for us. The wicket did slow down a bit, there was no dew, but I think we are lacking steam in the batting department. We need to figure that out. The break in the next seven days is the best chance we could get: give them match simulation and look for the right balance," Dhoni, who scored 12-ball 15, told host broadcaster Star Sports after the match.

CSK captain also revealed that Ambati Rayudu will be available for the next clash.

"If you look at the bowling department, there are not all consistent. We are one batsman heavy, and we can only think of getting one more bowler, we need some signs that they can take the extra load. Rayudu should play the next match so he gives us the room to experiment with the extra bowler," he added.

Earlier, Capitals rode on Prithvi Shaw’s 43-ball 64 and Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 25-ball 37 to post 175/3 on the board.

Dhoni admitted that the CSK bowlers need to get better with their line and length. He further said that the spinners need to reduce the number of boundary bowls.

"There are quite a few things we can think about. We are one batter extra to start off, so the players need to step up. We need to get better with our lengths, lines and pace. I think the spinners have not come to the party yet. We are bowling good deliveries, but we are giving away the boundary deliveries bit too often. I'll ask the players as there have been quite a few dropped catches. The players are not used to play under such lights, maybe the trajectory comes in the way. Now that you have said it, this can be an excuse for those dropped catches," Dhoni remarked.

Super Kings will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next game at Dubai International Stadium on October 2.

(With ANI inputs)