We should try to be more aggressive: MS Dhoni

Kolkata, May 1 (IANS)

After going down to defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in a tantalisingly close game, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni said on Thursday that his boys need to be a bit more aggressive, considering they were leading the table in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Looking at where we are in the table, I think it's important we try to be a bit more aggressive, see what we can explore and how we can play,” Dhoni said after the Eden Gardens match.

Three-time winners Chennai Super Kings lost the game by seven wickets, to retain their pole position with 12 points from eight games.

Dhoni praises Negi

Dhoni said while batting his team did lose a few wickets, but felt it was largely a conservative effort. Chennai notched up 165 for 9, but the Knights reached a winning 169 for three in with a ball to spare. Dhoni specially mentioned Pawan Negi who struck a blitz 13-ball 27 in the slog overs.

“It was a very good score. The reason we were there was because of Negi, the way he batted and got us a few extra runs,” the captain said.

“We lost quite a few wickets, but I felt something that we as a team are trying to explore because we had quite a bit of conservative effort.”

He said overall it was a good effort, but admitted that he expected Ravindra Jadeja to bowl “slightly better” as he thought this wicket would suit him.

Dhoni said while wrist spinners get slightly more purchase on such wickets, the pitch got better as the game progressed.

He lauded Negi for his bowling as well. “Negi bowled well, though he went for a bit of runs, but his bowling was very good,” Dhoni opined.

Asked about the availability of the injured spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Dhoni said he would've loved to bowl on the Eden track.

“Once we are back in Chennai we'll evaluate as to how quickly he is healing,” the 33-year-old concluded.