MS Dhoni takes the blame for Chennai's 2-run loss in Bengaluru: 'I should've converted more shots'

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has taken full responsibility for his team’s narrow 2-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a high-voltage IPL 2025 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday night. Chasing a mammoth 214, CSK ended their innings at 211/5, falling just short despite a solid partnership between Ayush Mhatre and Ravindra Jadeja.

MS Dhoni takes the blame for the loss

Speaking after the match, Dhoni admitted he could have done more during his brief stay at the crease. Dhoni was dismissed for 12 in the penultimate over by Yash Dayal, a wicket that proved crucial as CSK fell short by the barest of margins.

“When I went into bat, with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should’ve converted a couple more shots to ease the pressure. I take the blame,” he said.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Dhoni praised his bowlers for pulling things back in the middle overs but also acknowledged the brilliance of Romario Shepherd, whose game-changing 53 not out off 14 balls turned the match on its head. “Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he was able to get maximum runs,” Dhoni noted.

Despite the loss, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre was the shining star for CSK, playing a sensational knock of 94 off 48 balls and keeping the chase alive alongside Jadeja, who scored an unbeaten 77 off 45. The pair added 114 runs for the third wicket, taking the game deep.

Shepherd and Dayal’s show help RCB win

RCB’s total was powered by Virat Kohli’s 62, Jacob Bethell’s 55, and Romario Shepherd’s last-over carnage, which included 33 runs off Khaleel Ahmed’s 19th over. Shepherd was named the Player of the Match for his late-innings blitz.

“I had my opportunity today, was waiting for it for a long time. Wanted to give the team a good finish,” Shepherd said.

Meanwhile, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar later revealed it was a “clear-cut” decision to trust Yash Dayal with the final over, given his ability to bowl under pressure. Dayal not only dismissed Dhoni but also held his nerve with 4 runs needed off the final ball, restricting CSK to a single and securing the win.

“The way the bowlers have shown their (ability), it was incredible. He (Dayal) is the main bowler of our team, a death-overs specialist. It was a clear-cut message to give him the last over. Last year as well, he did the same thing for the team and he did it again (tonight),” Patidar said.

The win took RCB to the top of the points table with 16 points from 11 matches, while CSK, already out of playoff contention, are still struggling at the bottom of the standings.