File photo of MS Dhoni© BCCI
MS Dhoni impressed fans and pundits alike with his explosive innings but it was not enough to secure victory for Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals. Dhoni was at his explosive best as the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman hit 37 off just 16 balls but CSK could only score 171/6 in 20 overs while chasing 192. The blow broke the internet, but former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes it was a bad decision for Dhoni to come in after Sameer Rizvi and Ravindra Jadeja. In a discussion about ItchDoull said that this was Dhoni’s first time batting in IPL 2024 and he needed more time to settle down before launching into the chase.
“I know there was a lot of fuss about Dhoni’s innings but he blocked a lot of balls. He conceded a lot of runs and when he didn’t start making runs I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I know he is the great MS Dhoni , but it was a bad decision. It was a really bad decision not to make those runs.”
“You’re still trying to win the game and I know it’s his first at-bat in a long time, first at-bat of the season and he’s probably thinking about maybe finding some form at some point, but it was me disagree. I didn’t agree with what happened in that situation. To me it looked really bad. I looked at it and thought, you know, it didn’t look good to me. That just didn’t look quite good look. me when he wasn’t running.”
The clamor for MS Dhoni to bat higher has grown after his scintillating effort against Delhi Capitals, but Michael Clarke believes the former Chennai Super Kings captain will continue to bat at number 8 and promote himself only if the match is “on the game.” .
Dhoni’s unbeaten 37 off 16 balls at number eight proved not to be enough, but his loyal fans believe the outcome would have been different had he batted higher.
Clarke, who like Dhoni is a World Cup-winning captain, said the Indian legend will continue to play the role of finisher.
“I don’t think he will. I think he will stay where he is. I think every MS Dhoni fan wants to see him as high up the rankings as possible. We all said during his career that he is the batting, Clarke told Star Sports.
“But look, he’s at a stage in his career where he’s not a captain anymore. I don’t think he’ll move up the rankings. I think if there’s a game on the line and he has to move up the rankings because it whatever is best for the team, I’m sure he will do that.” Dhoni’s cameo against the Delhi Capitals included a thunderous six over extra cover before unleashing a one-handed maximum over mid-wicket in the 20th over.
(With PTI inputs)
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