Chennai Super Kings had no need for Ravichandran Ashwin in game against Rajasthan Royals, says MS Dhoni

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni defended his his decision of not using Ravichandran Ashwin in the 12-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) saying he did not feel the necessity of using the off-spinner today. Scorecard: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR), IPL 2015 Match 48

Brendon McCullum struck a quickfire fifty before Ravindra Jadeja produced a brilliant spell of 4-11 to help Chennai beat Rajasthan by 12 runs and virtually secure its place in the play-offs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015. ALSO READ: CSK qualify for IPL 2015 playoffs by beating RR

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Opting to bat, McCullum smashed a quickfire 81 before Chris Morris (3 for 19) produced a brilliant display with the ball for Rajasthan Royals to restrict Chennai to a modest 157 for five. But Chennai rode on Jadeja’s fine spin bowling performance and some brilliant ground fielding to restrict Rajasthan to 145 for nine. Updates: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR), IPL 2015 Match 47

“He (McCullum) batted really well. He comes from New Zealand and it was difficult for him. There is a joke going around in the dressing room that if Brendon Mccullum bats for 6-7 overs he will be cooked.

“I did not have to use Ashwin. I had both the fast bowlers and I said I need not have to use Ashwin for this game,” Dhoni said said at the post-match presentation. Losing captain Steven Smith said lack of partnerships hurt his team badly today.

“Jadeja bowled well to take 4 for 11. We lost wickets in clumps and it was tough to form a partnership after that. We have a six-day break and hopefully finish well to make the qualifiers,” he said.

Man-of-the-match Ravindra Jadeja dedicated his brilliant 4-11 spell to his mother on the occasion of Mother’s Day. “First of all thanks to my mom. Today is Mother’s day. I enjoyed bowling. We are reaching the knockout stage. I just want to keep doing well for the team.”