Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni blamed himself for the team’s 2-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Chasing 214 runs, the visiting side managed 211/5. Despite the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni in the death overs, the five-time champions couldn’t cross the winning line. Dhoni scored 12 runs off 8 balls but failed to connect Yash Dayal’s delivery and was declared LBW.

Jadeja, who amassed 77 runs off 45 balls, missed several full tosses despite being at the crease for a long time. Earlier, Ayush Mhatre, the 17-year-old batter, posted 94 runs off 48 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes, but his effort went in vain.

Speaking to Ravi Shastri after the match, Dhoni opined on his team’s ninth defeat of the 18th season. “I should have converted shots into scoring opportunities. I will take the blame for the defeat. Romario Shepherd was brilliant as he maximised the deliveries our bowlers bowled to him. We will have to learn how to bowl yorkers, as this is one delivery that can stop the batters from going for big hits,” he said.

Shastri reminded him of the ramp and paddle shots that could have given CSK an advantage. However, Dhoni revealed that Chennai’s batters are not comfortable playing these strokes. “Our batters are not comfortable. Jadeja used to play ramp and paddle shots. They should learn these strokes,” he added.

MSD hailed the batters for their improved performances. “We batted well as a unit. It was a good game for our batters. We were struggling in the previous matches, but the batters showed their class against RCB. We can pull back things if our bowlers concede runs, but things become challenging when batters don’t perform,” he concluded.