Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 12 (ANI): After losing the clash against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in skipper MS Dhoni opened up on the reason behind the team's loss in the 25th encounter of the cash-rich league.

Sunil Narine turned in a match-winning all-round performance to help the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) return to winning ways with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Chennai on Friday.

KKR chased down the target in just 10.1 overs. They ended at 107/2, not only sealing their third win of the season but also significantly boosting their Net Run Rate. With this victory, KKR climbed to the third spot on the points table with three wins in six games.CSK's campaign continues to falter, as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss and remain in the ninth position in the standings.

'It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there, we have to accept the challenge. Today, I felt we did not have enough runs on the board. It has been the case over there; when we bowled in the 2nd innings, it stopped a bit. Today, it did in the first innings. When you lose too many wickets, there is pressure and with quality spinners, it is difficult. We never got any partnerships, and a bit more partnerships, application, and we would be fine. What is important is to see the conditions,' MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

Further, the wicketkeeper-batter said that the middle order needs to step up; if they don't, it will be difficult for the five-time champions to win the game this season.

'We have done a couple of games decently well, so back your strengths and play the shots you can play. Not match to someone's else play. Our openers are good openers, play authentic cricket shots, they don't slog or look to hit across the line. It is important not to get desperate seeing the scorecard. If we start looking for 60 with our lineup, it will be very difficult for us. Get partnerships going, maybe capitalise in the middle and later overs, and if we lose wickets, the middle order has to do their job differently. And the slog will be delayed for quite a while,' the 43-year-old player added. (ANI)