Eoin Morgan blamed the conditions for their six-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in Dubai on Thursday.

“I think we played really well... Probably we were just on the wrong side of the toss,” the Kolkata Knight Riders captain said. “The dew from about the eighth over was really challenging.”

CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and put KKR in to bat.

“We improved on our batting (as compared to the previous games). Our bowlers gave it everything ...

“We felt we were right in the game (at the halfway stage). Probably 165 was par if the wicket and conditions stayed the same. Nitish Rana kicked on and showed his class once again. It was actually a good day for us with the bat,” Morgan felt.

He lauded spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy’s efforts and had inspiring words for young Kamlesh Nagarkoti who bowled the final over with CSK needing 10 for victory.

“They (Narine and Varun) are two fantastic spinners. I can’t fault anyone’s effort tonight. Nagarkoti didn’t have enough runs to defend. He’s a young guy, he will take it on the chin and move on.”

Morgan was staying optimistic though KKR might need a miracle to make the playoffs.

“We’re looking forward to the next game against Royals. We still have a little chance.”

CSK captain Dhoni was satisfied with their effort. “I think it was one game where the climax went in our favour…

“Needed a lot of effort from the players. I’m really glad the coin fell in our favour,” said Dhoni.

Dhoni hailed Man of the Match Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made 72 off 53 balls, as “one of the most talented players”.