IPL 2024: Photo of MS Dhoni's dismissal at the PBKS vs CSK match in Dharamsala.© BCCI
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan criticized Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni after the player came at the number 9 spot during his side's match against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match on Sunday. In the match in Dharamsala, Dhoni batted at number 9 for the first time in his T20 career and his innings ended with a golden duck when PBKS pacer Harshal Patel bowled him. Pathan felt that Dhoni should take responsibility and come and strengthen the order.
“MS Dhoni at number 9 is not working for CSK, it is not helping the team's cause. I know he is 42 but he is in good form. He should take the responsibility of filling the order. He should at least have to bat for four to five overs. He bats the last one or two overs and that doesn't serve CSK's purpose in the long run,” Pathan told Star Sports, as quoted by India Today.
Dhoni is having a fantastic season with the bat, scoring 110 over 7 innings at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 224.49.
“It may happen that from now on we see CSK qualify for the play-offs and they have to win 90 percent of their matches. As a true senior, who is in form, he has to step up the order. He can't be that.” He did the same thing he has done a few times before,” Pathan said.
“Yes, he impressed against Mumbai, but here, when the team needed him, you can't send Shardul Thakur ahead of you. You can't see Dhoni batting at number 9. Sameer Rizvi was also filled in the 15th over. They have to think of something; someone has to say to Dhoni, 'Come on mate, bat for 4 overs,' he added.
Topics mentioned in this article