IPL 2018: MS Dhoni expresses concern over CSK’s bowling woes

CSK survived death-overs scare last night as DD's Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar thrashed their bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Rishabh Pant of Delhi Daredevils scored a blazing 79 against CSK | IANS

Despite Chennai Super Kings’ 13-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in Pune on Monday (April 30), MS Dhoni expressed concern over his inconsistent bowling attack.

The CSK skipper feels his bowlers will have to improve their game many folds given that the matches in the later stages of the tournament will be played on smaller grounds.

CSK survived death-overs scare last night as Delhi’s dynamic duo of Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar thrashed their bowlers to all parts of the ground. After being put into bat by DD skipper Shreyas Iyer, CSK rode on the half centuries of Shane Watson (78 runs off 44 balls) and MS Dhoni (51* runs off 22 balls) to post a mammoth total of 211/4 on the board.

Chasing the target, Daredevils needed a solid platform but KM Asif demolished their hopes with a double strike up front. Delhi lost their first 4 batsmen for just 74 runs. However, the rather 88-run stand between Pant (79 off 45 balls) and Shankar (54* off 31 balls) almost changed the course of the game before Lungi Ngidi pulled things back for CSK.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni said: "We have to keep in mind the eliminators and the finals if we make it. Those would be played on smaller grounds. The margin of error at this level is not much.”

"Whatever is not working, one has to get a marker and work on it. Overall, we are a happy side and the mood is good. But it helps if you are winning and learning. Bowlers have to adapt, otherwise we will have to look at other options," he added.

Dhoni, who thrilled the Pune crowd with his blazing 22-ball 51* comprising of 2 fours and 5 sixes, also praised the Proteas speedster Ngidi, who scalped 1 wicket by conceding only 24 runs in his 4 overs.

"Lungi coming in and doing well for us was important because we thought we needed pace on this wicket. He has impressed me right from South Africa. If he keeps coming good it will be good for us," Dhoni concluded.

With the win over the Daredevils, CSK has once again become the table-toppers of IPL 2018. They boast 12 points, having won 6 of their 8 matches thus far.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 01 May, 2018

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