MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings endured another tough outing in IPL 2025 going down to Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on April 11. Batting first, CSK were restricted to just 103/9, with only 31 runs scored in the powerplay the worst start for any team this season. KKR chased it down comfortably handing CSK another blow.

20250411223315

Speaking after the match, MS Dhoni admitted the team didn’t put enough runs on the board and struggled to build any meaningful partnerships.

Dhoni acknowledged that batting in the first innings was tricky at Chepauk this time which affected their scoring rate.

"When you lose too many wickets, there is pressure, and with quality spinners, it is difficult. We never got any partnerships... a bit more application and we would be fine."

"It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there, we have to accept the challenge. Today, I felt we did not have enough runs on the board."

Talking about CSK’s poor powerplay stats Dhoni noted:

"(On getting just 31 in the powerplay) What is important is to see the conditions. Back your strengths, play the shots you can play... not match to someone else's play."

He further defended the CSK openers and stressed the need to stay composed rather than chasing big scores blindly:

"Our openers are good play authentic cricket shots... It is important not to get desperate, seeing the scorecard."

Finally Dhoni offered a tactical suggestion:

"Get partnerships going, maybe capitalise in the middle and later overs. If we lose wickets, the middle order has to do their job differently. The slog will be delayed for quite a while."