Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) surprising move of sending MS Dhoni to bat at number 7 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 match has left cricket experts puzzled, labeling it a “significant error” that contributed to their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
During CSK’s chase of 192 against SRH, former captain Shane Watson and cricketing legend Brett Lee were among those who questioned the decision to keep Dhoni down the order. The move did not pay off as expected, with Chennai falling short in their pursuit despite a valiant effort. Many anticipated Dhoni to come in at number 6, especially after SRH captain Pat Cummins dismissed Dube in the 14th over.
Instead, Daryl Mitchell was sent in ahead of Dhoni, and the New Zealand hitter struggled to get going against the slower deliveries from the SRH bowlers. In his 11-ball innings, Mitchell managed only 13 runs, including one boundary, before being dismissed by T Natarajan.
CSK finished their innings at 165 for five in 20 overs, with MS Dhoni getting a brief stay at the crease, facing just three balls and scoring a single run against Natarajan. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the logic behind Dhoni’s lower batting position.
“Considering the off-cutter planning into the pitch and match-up against Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat, Dhoni, the right-hand batsman, should have batted up the order in this match against SRH,” Chopra wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Considering off cutter planning in to the pitch and match up against Bhuvi and Unadkat, Dhoni the right hand batsman should have batted up the order in this match vs SRH.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 5, 2024
On Cricbuzz, ex-cricketers Michael Vaughan and Simon Doull also expressed surprise over the decision. “I’m amazed he did not come out to bat earlier. I can’t understand why he’s been out there for just three balls,” said Vaughan, emphasizing that Dhoni possesses the ability to handle slower deliveries effectively.
After their victory over CSK on April 5, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) now sits at number 5 in the IPL 2024 standings, having won 2 out of their 4 matches.
