CSK got off to a memorable start to their IPL 2020 campaign. They defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by five wickets. In the 2nd game, they were up against Rajasthan Royals on September 22. And, the latter defeated CSK by a good margin of 16-runs. It was a big defeat for CSK. And, in the post-match conference, MS Dhoni clearly said that if his bowlers’ had controlled the number of no-balls then the result would have gone in their favor.
CSK suffered defeat to RR while chasing a mammoth target of 216 runs in stipulated 20 overs. On a difficult wicket, this target was simply impossible to chase. But, courtesy to Faf du Plessis and MS Dhoni, who tried their best to win it. During the game, CSK bowlers bowled three no-balls that created a big difference in the end.
MS Dhoni not impressed with his bowlers’ performance
The game was under CSK’s control until the last over that was bowled by South African quick Lungi Ngidi. He bowled a couple of no-balls and gave away 30 runs in his six legal deliveries.
After the game, MS Dhoni said that if his bowlers’ had bowled fewer no-balls then CSK might have won the game.
“Without singling out anyone, a controllable we could have controlled is no-balls. Had we not bowled no-balls, we would have been chasing 200, and it would have been a very good game,” Dhoni told Star Sports in the post-match interview.
He also added that when a target like 217 is on the scoreboard then the team should get off to a flying start. But, that was not the case. Dhoni also praised Steve Smith and Sanju Samson for batting brilliantly in tough conditions.
“217 on the board, you have had a very good start. That was not the case. They batted really well. Steve and Sanju. You have to give credit to their bowlers too. There was a lot of dew. They knew what lengths to bowl. Their spinners didn’t try too many things. That was an error our spinners made in their first couple of overs,” the 39-year-old added.
