Dhoni didn't hold back during the presentation ceremony after Chennai Super Kings' victory against Delhi Daredevils on Monday.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might've defeated Delhi Daredevils (DD) on Monday but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni wasn't too happy with his bowlers. Speaking at the presentation ceremony after the match at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Dhoni said that his bowling unit will need to get its act together as the playoffs approach.
"Death bowling hasn't been good, and if we reach the finals, which will be held in small grounds, the margin for error is very small," said MSD. "Whatever is not working, one has to get a marker and work on it. Overall, we are a happy side and the mood is good. But it helps if you are winning and learning. Bowlers have to adapt otherwise we will have to look at other options."
The 36-year-old also gave an insight on the condition of his back, which he strained after an awkward attempt to take a catch. "It's quite bad, but nothing much can be done because there's not much of a resting period. I haven't been training much because of that. T20 is not much workload, so it's manageable," he said.
One key talking point about Monday's match was Ambati Rayudu's demotion in batting order. The right-hander is the leading run-getter in the tournament, excelling as an opener for CSK. Dhoni reflected on what prompted this decision: "Looking at the wicket, we thought we'll get an overseas batsman in. We thought Sam (Billings) needed a bit of rest. Having Rayudu in the middle and Faf (Du Plessis) open gives more stability to the middle order. And Rayudu can score runs at any position, so that was the best decision."
Shane Watson and Dhoni scored scintillating half-centuries to set up a 13-run win over Delhi Daredevils, taking the two-time IPL champions closer to a playoff berth. Watson (78 off 40) and Dhoni (51* off 22) gave a masterclass in power hitting to fire Super Kings to 211 for four after Daredevils opted to field on a good batting surface.
Needing more than 10 an over put scoreboard pressure on the visitors and they wilted under pressure. Rishabh Pant (79 off 45) and Vijay Shankar (54* off 31) ensured Daredevils get closer to the target but it was not enough as they ended at 198 for five.
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