M. S. Dhoni: CSK has quite a few areas to work on

Chennai Super Kings suffered a heavy defeat by 37 runs against Mumbai Indians.

Published : Apr 04, 2019 00:21 IST

M. S. Dhoni contributed 12 runs with the bat before being caught off the bowling of Hardik Pandya.
M. S. Dhoni contributed 12 runs with the bat before being caught off the bowling of Hardik Pandya.
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M. S. Dhoni contributed 12 runs with the bat before being caught off the bowling of Hardik Pandya.

M. S. Dhoni said Chennai Super Kings has a few areas to work on and improve after suffering a 37-run defeat against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Mumbai scored 45 runs off the final two overs of its innings to post 170 for five, with 29 runs coming off the final over, which was bowled by Dwayne Bravo, alone.

In his post-match interview, Dhoni said death bowling wasn't the only aspect that CSK did not get right.

"I think quite a few things went wrong," he said. "The death bowling went wrong. The death bowlers had to rely on yorkers, it was tough for them. They'll definitely improve."

Wankhede Stadium is a high-scoring venue where the ball travels fast across the turf and containing the batsmen can be difficult. Dhoni said the bowlers must be aware of the areas they can bowl to restrict the batsmen.

"People will score runs off you, but cutting the boundaries on a venue like this important. A 10-run over then becomes a seven-run over," he added.

Asked if Mumbai's strong finish to its innings made a difference, Dhoni said, "I don't think the break of 10 or 20 minutes really matters. In the first couple of overs, if the opposition bowls well [like Mumbai did here], then, yes."

Dhoni said CSK will assess the team combination for the next match after looking at the Chepauk pitch.

"We have to see the wicket for the next game, we also have to see our combination. [Dwayne] Bravo has a bit of a hamstring [problem]. Lungi Ngidi is not with us, he was a key bowler for us last season. There are a few areas for us to work on."

Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard, who added 17 runs off seven balls and took a couple of spectacular catches to dismiss Shane Watson and Suresh Raina, said he is flexible with the position he bats.

"I try to make a difference for the team," Pollard said when asked about his batting position on the night [No. 7]. "We have had a chat about the No. 6 position; Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya are also hitting the ball well. I have no choice but to adjust to the team dynamics."

The West Indies all-rounder said Mumbai is a team that is better when it has the momentum on its side.

"I think as a team, we thrive on momentum. We batted pretty well, I think it's a matter of improving. It's a good day for us and we need to build on it."

About Hardik Pandya's performance, Pollard said, "Hardik Pandya is phenomenal. He goes out and does the job, doesn't think much. He practises really well."

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