Follow UsChennai Super Kings suffered their third loss in home conditions, jeopardizing their chances of finishing the top two. On the sluggish Chennai pitch, Kolkata Knight Riders spinners spun a web around CSK, and apart from Shivam Dube, none could hold their crease.
Later, dew helped the cause of KKR, and the duo of Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh ensured that Chennai Super Kings would have to wait another day to qualify for the playoffs. MS Dhoni, speaking to the host broadcasters after the game, stated that the wicket was too sluggish for them to score around 180 runs.
“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,” MS Dhoni said in the post-match interview.
“Whenever there is no certainty about dew, 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 greatly impacted the game.”
Shivam Dube is enjoying a very good season for CSK, having scored 363 runs at an average of 40.33 and a strike rate of 157.1 in 13 matches. However, MS Dhoni suggested him to keep his hunger intact to score more in the future.
“Well, we have spoken a lot, it should remain in the dressing room what we spoke to Shivam. 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 added.
Deepak Chahar was at his usual best with the new ball, dismissing the KKR top-three inside the powerplay. The swing that had once made him the most potent new ball bowler in the world was at full motion - something MS Dhoni widely appreciated while stating that Chahar’s experience helps him a lot.
“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,” Dhoni added.