Chennai: However, it was not all smooth sailing for the former India skipper. CSK captain Dhoni (29 not out off 17), who was on a sabbatical post the 2019 World Cup semi-final and bowed out of international cricket last month, was far from his menacing best against Rajasthan. The 39-year-old, in at No.7, struggled to hit the ball from the meat of the bat early in his inning as the game drifted away from Super Kings, and the former champion eventually fell short by 16 runs. But, Dhoni showed glimpses of his old self in the final over, smashing three monstrous maximums off Englishman Tom Curran.

Nonetheless, it was too little and too late for CSK. Giving his thoughts at the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni said: “Well, I haven’t batted for a very long time. And, the 14-day quarantine period didn’t really help. I am slowly trying to get into the tournament.” It must be remembered that MSD played a couple of deliveries against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the season starter but didn’t open his account. In CSK’s first two matches, Dhoni decided to send all-rounder Sam Curran ahead of him.

Asked why he had batted lower down the order, the three-time IPL title-winner explained: “We want to try a few things. We haven’t done that for a very long time. At the start of the tournament, we have the opportunity to do that. As the event progresses, you will see the senior players stepping up and taking added responsibility.”

Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming opined that the optimum time for Dhoni to come in is around the 12th over.

“He can then bat accordingly. He is coming back after not playing a huge amount of cricket. So, it is going to take some time to see him at his best. But, his hitting towards the end was very good,” said Fleming in the press conference.

“We are trying to use our resources smartly,” he added. Dhoni may have eaten up a few deliveries against RR, but has the ingredients to make a roaring comeback for the ‘Lions’.