'They’ll have to play under a new captain' - MS Dhoni fires stern warning after callow bowling display by CSK pacers

Chennai Super Kings' return to Chepauk got off to a winning note as MS Dhoni's team eased past Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring contest. While the home fans were overjoyed to see their players play at the venue for the first time in almost four years, Dhoni had a stern warning for his pacers, who leaked extras at an alarming rate for a second successive game.

Following a disappointing loss in the curtain raiser against defending champions Gujarat Titans, CSK got off the mark in IPL 2023 after a sizzling batting display from young Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. His blistering half-century along with Devon Conway's 47 off 29 deliveries, set the platform for their victory in front of a boisterous Chennai crowd.

However, the home side were under the pump in the initial stages of the second innings when LSG's Kyle Mayers took full advantage of some lacklustre bowling from the new ball bowlers. CSK's bowlers have leaked five no-balls and 17 wides in their two matches so far, and skipper MS Dhoni warned them to be more disciplined in the upcoming matches or they will be playing under a new captain.

“Fast bowling - we need to slightly improve. Need to bowl according to the conditions. What is important is to keep an eye as to what the opposition bowlers are doing. One more thing is they’ll have to bowl no no-balls or extra wides or they’ll have to play under a new captain. It will be my second warning, and then I’ll be off. The only reason we’ve scored those runs is if the surface is nice,” Dhoni said after the victory against LSG.

CSK's young Indian pacer Tushar Deshpande was guilty of bowling three no-balls in their first victory of the tournament this year and has bowled a total of four no-balls in two matches. Although he improved considerably in the game against LSG after an erratic first over, his lack of discipline is a matter of concern for the former Indian skipper.