Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni on Monday (April 19) acknowledged his struggle with the bat against Rajasthan Royals (RR), stating that his first six balls could cost them in another game.
Asked to bat first, CSK piled up 188/9 in 20 overs but Dhoni scored only 1 run in the first six balls that he faced before eventually managing 18 off 17.
WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja’s unique celebration after taking 4 catches in CSK’s big win over RR
“Glad we scored 180, I thought we could have got a few more. This was one of the games where the first six balls I played could have cost us in another game. We have to be mindful of that and score as much as possible,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Unlike the last season, CSK have started their campaign positively this time around, registering 2 wins in 3 games to occupy the second spot on the points table.
When asked what has changed about CSK this season, Dhoni replied: “A lot has changed over the years, the way he have prepared and turned up. Right from the start we kept a very good atmosphere. A lot of the bowlers have been under the pump last year but this time they are enjoying bowling on these wickets where there is assistance.”
During his stay at the crease, the 39-year-old Dhoni put in a dive to save his wicket and he continues to be a force to reckon behind the stumps.
According to the CSK captain, staying fit was something he could control while performances couldn’t be.
“Getting old and being fit – those are two difficult things. When you’re playing you don’t want anyone to call you unfit. Nobody can guarantee performances, I was not guaranteeing performances when I was 24, I can’t guarantee when I’m 40. But at least if people can’t point fingers and say I’m unfit, that’s a positive for me. I have to keep up with youngers guys, they run a lot, but it’s always challenging.”
In response, Super Kings restricted RR to 143/9 in 20 overs. Moeen Ali (3-7), Sam Curran (2-24) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-28) were the wreckers-in-chief with the ball for CSK.
Lauding Curran’s spell with the new ball, Dhoni said: “I always look at what’s the best at that point of time. I felt Sam bowled really well and with Deepak, there was a miscalculation; I think he tried the knuckle ball too much, the wicket wasn’t stopping as much.
“I felt that a good start with the ball was important, you don’t want the opposition to get off to flier because then you won’t know how much dew is there.”
Chennai Super Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next match on Wednesday (April 22) in Mumbai.
