I take the blame: Dhoni after defeat against RCB

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said he should have converted a couple of more shots and ease the pressure

HYDERABAD: Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni said he should have converted a couple of more shots and ease the pressure.

In the post-match briefing with the host broadcaster after CSK lost to RCB in Bengaluru on Sunday night, Dhoni said he would take the blame for it.

“Shepherd in the death overs was excellent – whatever we were bowling, he was able to hit it for maximum runs,” he said.

Dhoni also felt that his team needed to practice more yorkers. “More often than not, when the batters start to connect, you have to rely (on the yorkers),” he said.

“If you cannot nail the yorker, the low full toss is the next best (option). Someone like Pathirana, he has the pace, he can bowl the bouncer as well, and if he misses (the yorker), the batter has a chance to hit it,” Dhoni said.

“Not all batters are comfortable playing that (the paddle) shot. Something the batters need to practice in the modern era. But most of our batters are not comfortable playing it. Jadeja plays that shot but he was backing his shots (down the ground) more,” he said.

“Batting was an area where we were slightly behind. But today, as a department, I feel the batting did very well,” Dhoni said.