'When I went into bat...': MS Dhoni takes blame for 2-run loss against RCB but didn't forget to show mirror to CSK batters with strong words

MS Dhoni took all the blame for Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) dramatic 2-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2025 clash at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on May 3, Saturday. He not only took the blame but also pulled up CSK batters wilting under pressure while chasing 214-run target.

CSK suffer narrow 2-run defeat against RCB

This hard-fought win propelled RCB back to the coveted top spot on the points table. Notably, this win also marks the first instance in their IPL history that RCB have managed to defeat CSK twice within the same season.

RCB once again got off to a flying start, with Jacob Bethell reaching his maiden IPL half-century (55 runs) and forging an impressive 94-run opening partnership with Virat Kohli. Bethell's innings was eventually brought to an end by Matheesha Pathirana. Virat Kohli (62 runs) also reached his half-century before falling victim to the bowling of Sam Curran. Following Kohli's dismissal, CSK mounted a strong comeback, with Matheesha Pathirana striking twice to remove Devdutt Padikkal (17 runs) and Rajat Patidar (11 runs). Noor Ahmed further compounded RCB's troubles by dismissing Jitesh Sharma (7 runs), pushing the home team onto the back foot.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically towards the end of the innings, thanks to a sensational display of power hitting from Romario Shepherd. Remaining unbeaten on 53 runs off a mere 14 deliveries, Shepherd unleashed an all-round assault on the CSK bowlers, propelling RCB to a formidable total of 213 for 5 at the end of their 20 overs.

In response to RCB's formidable total, Chennai Super Kings also commenced their innings strongly, posting 51 runs for the opening partnership before Shaik Rasheed (14 runs) was dismissed by Krunal Pandya. RCB then struck another crucial blow when Lungi Ngidi had Sam Curran (5 runs) caught behind the wicket, effectively halting CSK's initial aggressive momentum.

Ayush Mhatre then spearheaded a remarkable comeback for CSK with a blistering innings of 94 runs, bringing his team back into contention. However, his valiant effort was cut short when he fell to the bowling of Lungi Ngidi. On the very next delivery, Ngidi further compounded CSK's woes by dismissing Dewald Brevis for a duck, shifting the pressure back onto the chasing team. Even the veteran MS Dhoni (12 runs) couldn't guide CSK to victory, eventually losing his wicket to Yash Dayal.

Despite a late surge from Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on a valiant 77 runs, and Shivam Dube (8 not out), Chennai Super Kings ultimately fell agonizingly short of the target by a mere two runs, succumbing to their ninth defeat of the current season.

MS Dhoni takes blame for CSK 2-run loss

Meanwhile, after taking the blame for his team's defeat, captain MS Dhoni, who scored just 12 off 8 balls, lambasted CSK batters with strong words. He said that CSK batters need to practice more yorkers.

"When I went into bat, with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should've converted a couple more shots to ease the pressure. I take the blame. They got off to a good start, in between we pulled it back, but Romario Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he was able to get maximum runs," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

"We need to practice more yorkers. More often than not, when the batters start to connect, you have to rely on yorkers. Also the margin of error (yorkers provide) - so if you're looking for a perfect yorker, if that doesn't happen, a low full toss is the next best thing. It's one of the most difficult balls to hit. Somebody like Pathirana, if the yorker isn't happening, he has got pace. He can bowl the bouncer and keep the batter guessing. At times if he's looking for yorkers, batters are looking to line it up and if he misses, batters have a chance of hitting. It can be used, but not all batters are comfortable playing it (the scoop). If it comes naturally, then definitely. If not, it becomes difficult. It is something you need to practice in the new era. Most of our batters don't play the paddle shot. Jaddu plays it but he's more comfortable down the ground so he was backing his strength," he added.

CSK will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 7 at the Eden Gardens stadium while RCB will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 9 at the Ekana cricket stadium.