Bowlers lacked character: MS Dhoni after loss against KKR

Rising Pune Supergiants skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni lashed out at his bowlers after their narrow 2-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in a thrilling IPL match at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune on Sunday.

The Supergiants’ dismal run this season has gone from bad to worse with Dhoni losing his fourth game on the trot, a first for him as captain.

After the match a visibly disappointed Dhoni said his bowlers failed to execute the plans yet again.

Rising Pune Supergiants skipper MS Dhoni came down hard on his bowlers after fourth consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League on Sunday

“It was the length (on where they lost the game). I thought it was difficult to hit the spinners as I told them not to pitch it up. But, I think after that there were some 5-6 sixes hit and we gave away 30 runs too many.

“When you have the bat or ball in your hand, it is up to you, nobody can help you. There are many bowlers who are not part of a settled team, that is something we need to look into. We also should score 10-15 runs more.”

At one stage the Supergiants were in with a shot when their slow bowlers dismissed the two set batsmen for KKR – Suryakumar Yadav and Yusuf Pathan. But Albie Morkel and Thisara Perera, along with some poor fielding, failed to handle the pressure in the death overs which allowed the Knight Riders to run away with the game.

Dhoni also said that his bowlers lacked character and failed to step up at crucial moments in the game.

“When there is pressure on the individual, they are backing off. Taking responsibility is a very strong character to have and not many have that in our side. What really matters is, how you execute the plans on field.

“Someone like Murugan Ashwin, he is new and he will feel the pressure. You can advise individuals, but when you have the ball, nothing can be done for you. Overall plenty of areas where we have to improve,” he added.