IPL 2018: The Bowlers Let Us Down, Says Mahendra Singh Dhoni

It turned out to be another close contest for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but this time they ended up on the losing side and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was absolutely gutted at the end. Suresh Raina’s 52 wasn’t enough as Jos Buttler took his side home comfortable.

All-rounder Shane Watson once again provided a quick start for the men in yellow. His 31-ball 39 ensured a steady stand with Raina as the CSK side looked set for a strong finish.

Dhoni ended the innings with a 23-ball unbeaten 33 to post 176 four on the board.

Chasing 177 to stay afloat in the league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) got off to a poor start as Ben Stokes once again struggled to get into the scoring sheet. He middled one of Harbhajan Singh but witnessed his stumps getting disturbed the very next delivery.

They were reduced to 53 for two in no time but Buttler never gave up. The opener hit two sixes and 11 fours – to take his side to victory against a strong opposition.

Also, Read: IPL 2018: Twitter Reacts As Chennai Super Kings Post Big Total

Stuart Binny chipped in with a vital 22 but Krisnappa Gowtham’s two sixes made things extremely close for the Royals.

MS Dhoni blames the bowlers –

After the game, Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his bowlers couldn’t execute the plan and went for the fuller length.

“He also added that the plan is to win the games and not focus on the playoffs,” Dhoni said during a post-match presentation.

“We were supposed to bowl one particular length. The bowlers were instructed what to bowl: back of a length. They could not execute. We were hit for a lot of boundaries off full balls. 176 was a par-plus score, the bowlers let us down. Looking at the XI, that was a good fielding effort. This is the best this XI can do. We just don’t want to qualify, we just want to win it.” Dhoni concluded.