IPL 2021: The first six balls I faced could cost us another game – MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has admitted that the way he played the first six balls against Rajasthan Royals could cost his team a game in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Dhoni is known to take a few balls in the fag end of his career and he scored a solitary run in the first six balls he faced.

The CSK captain was eventually dismissed after scoring 18 from 19 balls, with a strike rate of less than 100. However, courtesy of a little cameo of 8-ball 20 from all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, CSK was able to post a par score of 188 runs at Wankhede on Monday.

Dhoni is regarded as one of the best finishers of the game but his power-hitting abilities have been on the wane in the last couple of years.

“Glad we scored 180, I thought we could have got a few more. This was one of the games where the first six balls I played could have cost us in another game. We have to be mindful of that and score as much as possible,” he said at the post-match presentation.

Meanwhile, Dhoni added that his bowlers are enjoying the pressure situation and they are able to deliver the goods, which was not the case in the previous season.

“A lot has changed over the years, the way he has prepared and turned up. Right from the start, we kept a very good atmosphere. A lot of the bowlers have been under the pump last year but this time they are enjoying bowling on these wickets where there is assistance.”

On the other hand, Dhoni’s fitness had come under the scanner in the previous season but he has come up in better shape in the ongoing edition. Dhoni added that he couldn’t guarantee performances when he was 24 and he can’t do the same at 40 but he doesn’t want anyone to point out that he is unfit.

“Getting old and being fit – those are two difficult things. When you’re playing you don’t want anyone to call you unfit. Nobody can guarantee performances, I was not guaranteeing performances when I was 24, I can’t guarantee when I’m 40. But at least if people can’t point fingers and say I’m unfit, that’s a positive for me. I have to keep up with youngers guys, they run a lot, but it’s always challenging.”

CSK will play their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 21st April.