Chennai Super Kings hope for better play in Powerplay!

CSK captain Ravindra Jadeja with MS Dhoni during their match v Punjab Kings on Sunday. Pic/IPL,PTI

Skipper Ravindra Jadeja admitted that Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) top-order failure in the Powerplay and the bowlers' inability to perform in the first six overs are not helping the defending champions' cause.

Jadeja, however, is confident of bouncing back despite losing all their three games.

"In T20 cricket, only one match is required to gain momentum; then the winning streak begins. We are searching for that one win. Once that comes, everyone know their roles. We are working hard to get some rhythm and waiting for our plans to click," Jadeja said during a post-match virtual press conference after CSK's 54-run loss to Punjab Kings on Sunday night.

Missing Deepak Chahar

CSK are missing bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar, who is recovering from his hamstring injury, while opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad is out-of-form.

Chahar claimed 14 wickets in IPL-14, but got injured during the India v West Indies T20I in Kolkata last February. Meanwhile, Gaikwad, who emerged the top run-getter in the last IPL with 635 runs, has managed scores of 0, 1, and 1 in this edition.

"Deepak is our main bowler. We hope he can join us soon. When he comes, the team's bowling unit will get stronger. It is always important to get early wickets in the Powerplay. As a bowling unit, we always want to take two-three wickets in the Powerplay. We are definitely missing Deepak. As far as Ruturaj's form is concerned, we don't want to put pressure on him. We are just giving him time to prepare. We want to back him, keep him in a good frame of mind," Jadeja remarked.

Though CSK bowlers started well by dismissing two Punjab batsmen by the second over on Sunday, PBKS recovered to 72-2 after six overs. And while chasing 181, Chennai were struggling at 23-4 in the sixth over.

Dhoni's decisions

Jadeja, 33, also revealed that he had started his preparations as CSK captain a few months ago and was mentally ready to lead the team. When asked about how he is enjoying the captaincy since former captain MS Dhoni took a few decisions in the last game against Lucknow Super Giants, Jadeja said: "It was a high-scoring game. At deep mid-wicket there are chances of getting catches and you need a good fielder in that area. That's why I was not able to communicate with the bowlers. But, Mahi bhai gives inputs and that is good. He is so experienced so we don't have to look anywhere else for advice."