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'Scorecard doesn't reflect it…': Dhoni stands firm, protects CSK youngster from criticism after loss vs RR
Matheesha Pathirana, who has emerged as one of CSK's main death bowlers in this IPL, went for runs, giving away 48 off his four overs but Dhoni defended him.
Chennai Super Kings did not have the best of days on the field against Rajasthan Royals in an IPL 2023 match in Jaipur on Thursday. The result was a crushing 32-run defeat. Their bowlers leaked runs and registered an unwanted record of becoming the first team to concede more than 200 runs in an IPL match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Chasing 203 for victory, their batters did not get off the block quickly and never threatened to chase down the target despite a whole-hearted effort from Shivam Dube (52* of 33 balls).
Young Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who has emerged as one of CSK's main death bowlers in this IPL, went for runs, giving away 48 off his four overs but Dhoni defended him. "I felt Pathirana's bowling was good, he didn't bowl badly. I think the scorecard doesn't reflect how well he bowled," Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.
When asked to point out the reasons behind CSK's loss, the legendary cricketer said the start that the RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler got off to put them in front.
"They scored quite a bit above par. We gave away too many in the first six. At the same time, wicket was great to bat on," Dhoni said after the 32-run loss.
"Bowlers bowled well in the middle overs but a lot of edges went for boundaries, at least 5-6 went for them and that had made an impact. They had par-plus and we couldn't get a good start in the power play with the bat.
"We had to assess what a good length is, as captain you tell them but initially, we gave away a few boundaries and after that, you're always playing catch up."
Dhoni praised Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, who made 15-ball 34 towards the end, for their efforts. "Yashasvi batted really well, was important to go after the bowlers and it was important to take calculated risks. In the end of the innings, Jurel batted well but I think it's the first six where it got away from us," he said.
Winning skipper Sanju Samson was full of praise for Jaiswal, Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal's aggressive batting."This is a win the team and dugout really wanted. The way youngsters Jaiswal, Devdutt, and Jurel batted was outstanding, the mindset of attack, attack and attack is something we will keep promoting in the dressing room.
"Credit goes to the team management and support staff (for working with players like Jaiswal) who work very hard at the academy. Lot of work has gone behind his success. Proud of the way he's playing," he said.
