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'CSK Had MS Dhoni Behind The Stumps' Hardik Pandya Reflects On MI's 20-Run Loss

CSK hand 20-run defeat to MI in IPL 2024 (X.com) CSK hand 20-run defeat to MI in IPL 2024 (X.com) 

After falling short of 20 runs in the 207 runs chase, MI captain Hardik Pandya revealed the key difference being MS Dhoni’s guidance behind the stumps that helped CSK execute their plans to perfection.

CSK won the epic IPL rivalry against MI by defeating them at home by successfully defending the target, something which has been quite rare at Wankhede.

Despite Rohit Sharma’s blazing century, MI fell short of 20 runs in the end as Matheesha Pathirana left a match winning impact with four wickets in his four overs quota of the day.

That being said, losing captain Hardik Pandya credited CSK for their foolproof plan to introduce Pathirana late in the middle overs to restrict the flowing run rate. 

 "I mean, definitely 207 was gettable. They bowled really well. Pathirana was the difference in the end. He came in the middle overs. They (CSK) were smart with their plans and used the longer boundary well. They got a hang of it (match)."

Furthermore, Pandya admitted that MS Dhoni’s guidance and presence behind the stumps helped CSK with their plans. Hardik also added that the ball started to grip in the second half of the chase, and Pathirana used that to his advantage. 

"They have a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) telling them what's working. The ball was slightly gripping, and they got ahead of the game. Until Pathirana came, we were on course for the total. It was about batting well and keeping the intent going."

Hardik Pandya additionally shared that MI’s plan against dangerous hitter Shivam Dube was to let him face pace instead of spin.

"(on plans against Dube) It was about what was best at that time; we could have done something different. I like to play percentage cricket, it would have been difficult for him against seamers rather than spin."

That being said, despite the humiliating loss, Hardik Pandya promised to carry on with positive intent and high intensity along during the upcoming four-game road trip.

"Now, I think we are on the road for the next few games. The next four matches, to be exact. We need to keep positive intent and need to keep our intensity up."

With their fourth loss of the tournament, MI undoubtedly has a lot of ground to cover to keep their playoff dreams alive.