Chennai Super Kings continued their dominance in the ongoing Indian Premier League by registering a thrilling 8-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (March 31).

After being put into bat by RR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, CSK got off to a terrible start as they lost three of its premier batsmen for just 27 runs. However, the experienced pair of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina (36 off 32 balls) bailed the home team out of trouble with a 64-run stand.

Later, Dhoni added 56-run with Dwayne Bravo (27 off 16 balls) and forged an unbeaten 31-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja to propel Chennai Super Kings to a highly competitive total of 175/5 in 20 overs. The CSK skipper himself finished with 75 not out off 46 balls, including four boundaries and as many sixes.

While defending the total, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir and Dwayne Bravo claimed two wickets each and restricted Rajasthan Royals to 167/8 in 20 overs.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, CSK captain Dhoni said his team remained calm despite a shaky start as they knew batting would get easier because of the dew factor.

"We wanted to get a partnership going - that was needed. We knew there was some dew on the field. We knew it would get easier as the game progresses. We bat quite deep - until 9 and knew we could accelerate in the last few overs," Dhoni quoted.

He also elaborated why Kiwi left-arm spinner Mitchell Santer was included in the playing XI.

"We have a stable XI and there were a lot less left-handers in the opposition, so we gave Mitch Santner a go. It isn't that important to make changes if not necessary.

"As the tournament progresses everyone will get more chances. As the tournament progresses, bowlers start executing their plans much better.

"Initially I thought we would look at how the fast bowlers would bowl so we could bring in the spinners. Jadeja and Santner found it hard to grip the ball. Irrespective of the results, it is important to cut the boundaries and it is difficult for the fast bowlers to execute."

Dhoni also appreciated the support of the loyal Chennai crowd.

"The home franchise will always get more support than the opposition. That's where spirit of the game comes in - the crowd is always behind the home team. That's what makes cricket very interesting. As long as you're on the field and spending money to come and watch, I don't mind which team you're supporting," he remarked.

On the other hand, RR skipper Ajinkya Rahane felt Royals let the game slip in the last five overs of CSK’s innings.

"I am very disappointed. We started off really well in the first ten overs, but what cost us were the last five overs. When MS bats it is very difficult for the bowlers. It was very hard for the bowlers to grip the ball after six overs, even the fast bowlers,” he said.

"But CSK bowled really well, they kept taking wickets. As a batting unit we need to take the responsibility for this. We have played well in the last three games and hopefully with some luck we'll be able to turn it around," Rahane added.

(With PTI inputs)