Dhoni concedes that CSK have got their balance wrong

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Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni is looking forward to a few days off tow work on the issues plaguing his team in the 2020 Indian Premier League.

Dhoni believes that CSK need another bowling option after they failed in the second big chase in a row.

Dhoni unhappy with team balance

CSK’s fifth bowler Ravindra Jadeja has gone for more than 40 runs in all three matches to date proving little more than fodder for batsmen on tracks that have been slow but lacking in turn.

Dhoni hoped to have Ambati Rayudu back for CSK’s next match. The man of the match in CSK’s opening match win, Rayudu missed the defeats to Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals with a hamstring injury.

Former Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis has been consistent in the middle-order but Dhoni opined that the team lacked explosiveness with the bat in hand.

“”I don’t think it was a good game for us,” Dhoni said after CSK slumped to a 44-run defeat to the Delhi Capitals on Friday. 

“The wicket did slow down a bit, there was no dew, but I think we are lacking steam in the batting department. We need to figure that out. The break in the next seven days is the best chance we could get: give them match simulation and look for the right balance. 

“If you look at the bowling department, they are are not at all consistent. 

“We are one batsman heavy, and we can only think of getting one more bowler, we need some signs that they can take the extra load. Rayudu should play the next match so he gives us the room to experiment with the extra bowler.”  

Bravo and Rayudu missed

CSK could certainly use the skills of injured West Indian allrounder Dwayne Bravo while they also have a spin options among their overseas professionals in Imran Tahir and Mitchell Santner.

Lungi Ngidi was left out after his no-ball gaffes in the match against the Royals, his replacement Josh Hazlewood put in a steady if unspectacular shift, keeping Capitals star batsman Prithvi Shaw honest early on but failing to make a breakthrough.

The strike-rates of the top order are a massive concern, and Rayudu has been sorely missed.

CSK only play again next Friday 2 October when they take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai.

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