IPL 2020 / I haven't batted for a long time, quarantine doesn't help: Dhoni on batting at 7

Cricket Desk: The fourth match of the IPL 2020 saw action between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah, UAE. Winning the toss, MS Dhoni and company decided to show up with the ball first, where it turned out to be a flop show for them. Bowlers from the Yellow squad just lined up to get hammered by the batters in front, and the opposition posted a massive total of 216 on board. The three-time champions got defeated by 16 runs.

The stunning innings from Steve Smith (69 off 47) and Sanju Samson (74 off 32) were already wreaking havoc on the Yellow Army, and Jofra Archer’s thunderous cameo (27* off 8 ) added to their woes. The last over fetched in 30 runs for the Rajasthan team, courtesy Archer’s massive hitting, and Ngidi’s unfair deliveries. For his brilliant performance, young Samson was awarded the player of the match honour.

Faf du Plessis – The lone warrior of CSK

Chasing the massive target posted by Rajasthan Royals, none of the batsmen could put up a great show apart from Faf du Plessis who was the lone warrior from the team to put up a significant 72 from 37 balls. Tewatia’s venomous spell came dominant on the middle order of CSK, and all the batters returned to the pavilion with no success. However, MSD fans might have lived a happy moment when he smashed three straight sixes in the last over.

Losing skipper, MS Dhoni said:

With 217 on the board, we needed a very good start which was not the case. Steve and Samson batted very well. Need to give credit to their bowlers. Once you’ve seen the first innings, you know the length to bowl. Their spinners did well to bowl away from the batsman. Our spinners made the error to bowl too full.

If we would’ve maybe restricted them to 200, it would’ve been a good game. I haven’t batted for a long time. 14-day quarantine doesn’t help (why he isn’t batting higher). Also wanted to try different things, give opportunities to Sam. Have the opportunity to try different things. If it doesn’t work, you can always go back to your strengths. Faf adapted very well. Something the batsmen will do, neglect square leg and go more towards long-on and long-off.