"Play Authentic Cricket"- MS Dhoni issues deadly ultimatum to these CSK players

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni talked about the team's defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He admitted that they didn't have enough runs on the board and they needed to accept the challenges.

MS Dhoni's return as captain didn't go the way he would've wanted, as Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in the 25th game of the IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This was the third consecutive loss for the hosts at their home ground in the season.

CSK faces an 8-wicket thrashing by KKR

Asked to bat, CSK had a terrible outing with the bat as they lost both their openers for just 16 runs. Rahul Tripathi (16) and Vijay Shankar (29) struggled during their stay at the crease as they added 43 runs for the third wicket.

However, after that, KKR spinners Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy were all over the opposition and reduced them to 79 for nine. Shivam Dube (31) played a fighting hand and took CSK past 100 runs as they posted 103 for nine. For KKR, Sunil Narine picked up three wickets.

Sunil Narine (44) and Quinton de Kock (23) took KKR off to a flying start with the bat. The duo added 46 runs for the opening wicket. Narine, along with skipper Ajinkya Rahane (20), then did further carnage with their 39-run stand. Rinku Singh also played a vital hand as KKR chased the target with eight wickets in hand.

It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way - MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni talked about the loss, highlighting how conditions haven't been favourable to them. He also opened up about getting just 31 in the powerplay, saying that it's important for the batters to back their strengths and play shots they can. Speaking after the game, he said:

"It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there, we have to accept the challenge. Today, I felt we did not have enough runs on the board. It has been the case over there, when we bowled in the 2nd innings, it stopped a bit, today it did in the first innings.

"When you lose too many wickets, there is pressure, and with quality spinners, it is difficult. We never got any partnerships, and a bit more partnerships, applications, and we would be fine. (on getting just 31 in the powerplay) What is important is to see the conditions, couple of games we have done decently well, back your strengths, and play the shots you can play."

If we start looking for 60 with our lineup, it will be very difficult for us - MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni also didn't go easy on his openers, saying that they don't need to copy someone else and play the authentic cricket shots. He said that with the kind of batters that they have, it will be difficult for them to get 60 runs in the powerplay. He added:

"Not match to someone else's play. Our openers are good, play authentic cricket shots, and they don't slog or look to hit across the line. It is important not to get desperate, seeing the scorecard

"If we start looking for 60 with our lineup, it will be very difficult for us. Get partnerships going, maybe capitalise in the middle and later overs, and if we lose wickets, the middle order has to do their job differently. And the slog will be delayed for quite a while," he concluded.

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