Chennai Super Kings (CSK) succumbed to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 61 of IPL 2023 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday (May 14).
Opting to bat first, the hosts posted a modest 144/6 on the board. It was a disappointing batting display as no batter managed to hit a half-century.
In reply, the Knight Riders rode on half-centuries from Nitish Rana (57* off 44) and Rinku Singh (54 off 43) to overhaul the target with 9 deliveries to spare.
Speaking after the game, CSK skipper MS Dhoni admitted that it was a 180 wicket and the dew in the second innings didn’t help their cause as well.
“One of those days when you win the toss and bat first and the moment the first ball was bowled in the second innings, you realise it is a 180 wicket. Batting first I don't think we could have got anywhere close to 180. I think the dew made a big difference. If you compare the first innings to the second innings, there was a lot more purchase for the spinners in the first innings and that's what really got to us,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“(Can't blame anyone for the loss) Yes, I think so. Whenever there is no certainty about dew that is when the decision (at the toss) becomes slightly tricky. And as I said, you win the toss and you bowl first and you realize there is no dew in the second innings, chasing 150 against their spinners could have been tough too. So we can't really blame any batter or bowler for this loss. They tried their best, but the conditions had a big impact on the game,” he added.
Shivam Dube was the top scorer for CSK with 48 not out off 34 balls while Deepak Chahar (3/27) was the only bowler who was among the wickets for the hosts.
“(Of what has been told to Shivam Dube this season) Well we have spoken a lot, it should remain in the dressing room what we spoke to him. What are the areas he needs to work on. Very happy with the way he has done and it's important for him to keep continuing game after game and not get satisfied with what he has done. He has done that job for us in the middle overs to get us as many runs as possible. So I just wish him that he keeps continuing,” Dhoni remarked.
“(On Deepak Chahar) He is somebody who swings the ball and has a fair idea of the game, where to keep the fielders and he bowls accordingly. He is definitely an asset. At times... I feel now he is very experienced to realize at times that if it is not swinging what is the length to bowl. Because in games where you don't have too many runs on the board, you have to get slightly smart.. once you know it's not swinging (for him), it will not swing for anyone,” he concluded.
Despite the loss, CSK held onto the second spot on the points table featuring 10 teams. They will face Delhi Capitals in their last league match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 20.
