Chennai Super Kings skipper M S Dhoni shouldered the blame for his side’s two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday, admitting he fell short when it mattered most during the tense final over.
Chasing 214 for victory, CSK were within touching distance, needing just 15 off the last over.
With Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, and RCB's Yash Dayal bowling, the stage was set for a dramatic finale, but Dayal, haunted by last year’s final over, held his nerve.
Shivam Dube began the over with a bang by launching the first ball for a six, injecting immediate tension. Dayal then overstepped, gifting a no-ball, and reducing the equation to 6 needed off 3 balls.
The momentum seemed to swing CSK’s way, but Dayal held his nerve, conceding only three runs off the last three deliveries, to secure RCB’s first-ever double over CSK in IPL history.
Speaking after the match, a candid Dhoni blamed himself for the defeat.
"When I went in to bat I should have converted a couple of those balls into boundaries. That would’ve taken the pressure off. I take responsibility for not finishing it."
Dhoni also pointed to areas CSK need to address, particularly their execution in the death overs.
"We have to practice bowling more yorkers. If you miss, the next best option is a bouncer—it’s harder to hit. The margin for error is tiny at this level," he explained, suggesting the need for more adaptability and precision in crunch moments.
Despite the loss, the CSK skipper praised his side’s fighting spirit and singled out Aayush’s innings as a major positive.
"Aayush was a real standout. Our batting was strong and showed character. It's one of those games you lose as a team, but also learn from."
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