Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni on Monday admitted that his slow knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai could have cost his side the game on another day. Dhoni played a cautious knock of 18 off 17 as the former Indian captain struggled to time the ball to perfection. He could manage only two boundaries and look&nbsp;adrift of his natural game. <o:p></o:p>

However, CSK managed to post 188 after a late blitz by Dwayne Bravo and went on to win the match by an impressive 45-run margin.<o:p></o:p>

"Glad we scored 180, I thought we could have got more. The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game," Dhoni told host broadcaster Star Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

Dhoni, 40, is setting fresh benchmarks on fitness with every passing day. His lightning-quick reflexes and running between the wicket still put the cricket fans in awe. The veteran gave an insight into how fitness is important to him and how he manages to compete at the highest level. <o:p></o:p>

"Getting old and being fit -- those are two difficult things! When you're playing you don't want anyone to call you unfit. I have to keep up with younger guys, they run a lot, but it's always challenging," said Dhoni.<o:p></o:p>

Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around the RR batters as they scalped five wickets among themselves to defend the 188-run target. With the win, CSK jump to second place in the IPL 2021 points table.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chennai-super-kings-all-round-show-downs-rajasthan-royals-in-mumbai-378690" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings' all-round show downs Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai</a>

Earlier, Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu scored at a firing rate before Dwayne Bravo's 20 off 8 balls came handy in the death overs. For CSK, Faf top-scored with an innings of 33 while for Rajasthan Royals, Chetan Sakariya returned with three wickets.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni on Monday admitted that his slow knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai could have cost his side the game on another day.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni on Monday admitted that his slow knock in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai could have cost his side the game on another day. Dhoni played a cautious knock of 18 off 17 as the former Indian captain struggled to time the ball to perfection. He could manage only two boundaries and look adrift of his natural game. However, CSK managed to post 188 after a late blitz by Dwayne Bravo and went on to win the match by an impressive 45-run margin. "Glad we scored 180, I thought we could have got more. The first six balls I played could have cost us in another game," Dhoni told host broadcaster Star Sports. ALSO READ: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years Dhoni, 40, is setting fresh benchmarks on fitness with every passing day. His lightning-quick reflexes and running between the wicket still put the cricket fans in awe. The veteran gave an insight into how fitness is important to him and how he manages to compete at the highest level. "Getting old and being fit -- those are two difficult things! When you're playing you don't want anyone to call you unfit. I have to keep up with younger guys, they run a lot, but it's always challenging," said Dhoni. Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around the RR batters as they scalped five wickets among themselves to defend the 188-run target. With the win, CSK jump to second place in the IPL 2021 points table. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings' all-round show downs Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai Earlier, Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu scored at a firing rate before Dwayne Bravo's 20 off 8 balls came handy in the death overs. For CSK, Faf top-scored with an innings of 33 while for Rajasthan Royals, Chetan Sakariya returned with three wickets. ×

My first six balls could have cost us in another match, says CSK's MS Dhoni after slow knock vs RR

Delhi Capitals' fast bowler&nbsp;Avesh Khan was the pick of the bowlers in his team's seven-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who returned with figures of 2/23, helped the Delhi franchise restrict CSK to 188/7 in their 20 overs before the Delhi Capitals chased their target in 18.4 overs. The speedster was particularly thrilled about taking the big wicket of MS Dhoni.

"Three years ago, I had a chance to take Mahi bhai's wicket, but somebody had dropped the catch. But now my dream of taking Mahi bhai's wicket is fulfilled, so I am very happy about it. Since he has not played competitive matches for some time, we had planned to put pressure on him and because of that pressure I could take his wicket," said Avesh.

The fast bowler said that the Delhi Capitals will have to maintain the momentum they have attained after winning their first match of the competition, "I was quite happy with my performance in our first match, and I am even more happy because the team has won. I put the team in a good position with the wickets of Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and Faf du Plessis. I was happy with the way I carried out the role given to me by the team management. After winning the first match, everyone's confidence goes up. Now, we have to maintain the momentum."

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Avesh added that&nbsp;Faf du Plessis' wicket helped him get into a good rhythm, "Rishabh backed me and gave me the second over of the match and I took a wicket in that over itself. A wicket in the initial part of a fast bowler's spell is really good for his rhythm. Du Plessis is a good batsman and if he continued to play, then he would've made things difficult for us."

The 24-year-old expressed that he hired a dietician ahead of the IPL 2021 to improve his fitness, "I have reduced my weight by 5 kg. I have hired a personal dietician and I plan my diet according to the dietician's directions. My diet plan changes on a day-to-day basis, depending on my gym and training sessions and rest days. Improving my fitness has helped me a lot. I am feeling light, and I feel great when I run. I had to sacrifice some of my favourite dishes for 20-25 days, but that has helped me to stay on track for achieving some of my personal goals."

While speaking about the fast-bowling prowess of the Delhi Capitals, Avesh said that the Delhi franchise has the best fast bowling line-up in the IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-big-knocks-from-rana-and-tripathi-help-kkr-beat-srh-376908" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Big knocks from Rana and Tripathi help KKR beat SRH</a>

"I think we have the best fast bowling line-up in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada won the Purple Cap last season, Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball in IPL history last season, Ishant Sharma is an experienced bowler and Umesh Yadav has been bowling well in the nets as well. There's good competition among the fast bowlers in our team," signed off Avesh.

Delhi Capitals' fast bowler Avesh Khan was the pick of the bowlers in his team's seven-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Delhi Capitals' fast bowler Avesh Khan was the pick of the bowlers in his team's seven-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who returned with figures of 2/23, helped the Delhi franchise restrict CSK to 188/7 in their 20 overs before the Delhi Capitals chased their target in 18.4 overs. The speedster was particularly thrilled about taking the big wicket of MS Dhoni. "Three years ago, I had a chance to take Mahi bhai's wicket, but somebody had dropped the catch. But now my dream of taking Mahi bhai's wicket is fulfilled, so I am very happy about it. Since he has not played competitive matches for some time, we had planned to put pressure on him and because of that pressure I could take his wicket," said Avesh. The fast bowler said that the Delhi Capitals will have to maintain the momentum they have attained after winning their first match of the competition, "I was quite happy with my performance in our first match, and I am even more happy because the team has won. I put the team in a good position with the wickets of Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and Faf du Plessis. I was happy with the way I carried out the role given to me by the team management. After winning the first match, everyone's confidence goes up. Now, we have to maintain the momentum." ALSO READ: Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021 Avesh added that Faf du Plessis' wicket helped him get into a good rhythm, "Rishabh backed me and gave me the second over of the match and I took a wicket in that over itself. A wicket in the initial part of a fast bowler's spell is really good for his rhythm. Du Plessis is a good batsman and if he continued to play, then he would've made things difficult for us." The 24-year-old expressed that he hired a dietician ahead of the IPL 2021 to improve his fitness, "I have reduced my weight by 5 kg. I have hired a personal dietician and I plan my diet according to the dietician's directions. My diet plan changes on a day-to-day basis, depending on my gym and training sessions and rest days. Improving my fitness has helped me a lot. I am feeling light, and I feel great when I run. I had to sacrifice some of my favourite dishes for 20-25 days, but that has helped me to stay on track for achieving some of my personal goals." While speaking about the fast-bowling prowess of the Delhi Capitals, Avesh said that the Delhi franchise has the best fast bowling line-up in the IPL. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- Big knocks from Rana and Tripathi help KKR beat SRH "I think we have the best fast bowling line-up in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada won the Purple Cap last season, Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball in IPL history last season, Ishant Sharma is an experienced bowler and Umesh Yadav has been bowling well in the nets as well. There's good competition among the fast bowlers in our team," signed off Avesh.

IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals' Avesh Khan opens up about 'dream' wicket of MS Dhoni

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My first six balls could have cost us in another match, says CSK's MS Dhoni after slow knock vs RR

IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals' Avesh Khan opens up about 'dream' wicket of MS Dhoni