CSK vs RR: "Who cares?" - Virender Sehwag's bold statement on MS Dhoni's batting position
Published - 11 May 2024, 04:20 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
MS Dhoni’s batting position for the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL 2024 is one of the most debatable issues among fans and cricket experts. The issue has yet again been raised after Dhoni came to bat at No. 8, despite the Men in Yellow being in a precarious position against Gujarat Titans (GT).
The legendary cricketer played another blistering cameo of unbeaten 26 runs off 11 balls laced with one boundary and three towering sixes to entertain the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 11. However, Dhoni’s knock couldn’t save the IPL 2024 match for CSK.
Well, the CSK already made a few wrong decisions, including dropping their in-form opener and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to number three, and it cost them badly, as the Gujarat Titans (GT) won the game by 35 runs to only damage the defending champions’ chances to qualify for the IPL 2024 Playoffs.
Debate ignites over MS Dhoni's batting position in IPL 2024
Meanwhile, things could have been different, possibly if Dhoni came to bat up the batting order, considering the form he has been in this season. The former CSK skipper also batted at No. 8 in their previous game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), which is just beyond comprehension.
Now, reacting to the debate, former Indian opener and commentator Virender Sehwag said that the debate on Dhoni's batting position should end. Sehwag admitted that the CSK franchise has been an expert in managing their players and bringing out the best of them, but stressed that given Dhoni's current form with the bat, he shouldn't be batting so low.
He also believes that if Shivan Dube (21) and Ravindra Jadeja (18) could have matched Shubman Gill's (104) and Sai Sudharsan's (103) brilliance, then the result might have been different for the CSK, as they have now have to win their remaining two matches to make it to the top four of the ongoing IPL 2024.
Virender Sehwag calls for end to debate on MS Dhoni's batting position for CSK in IPL 2024
Virender Sehwag said: “We should end the debate around MS Dhoni's batting position. He knows what he wants to do. It's his wish. But if you want to win the match, the form he is in, and the strike rate that he's batting at... the other batters need to play at a similar level. It felt today that Mitchell and Ali couldn't match Sudharsan and Gill.
Someone has to score a 100. Or Jadeja and Dube had to score a 20-ball fifty to get close to the target. I don't want to get into the debate. Wherever he bat; it's fine. He played fine, entertained the public, who cares if they win or lose? He entertained public, that's it.”
Earlier, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming highlighted Dhoni's significant contributions to the team in the ongoing IPL 2024, mentioning his ability to hit sixes and fours effectively and excel in wicketkeeping.
Fleming urged not to underestimate Dhoni's influence because he is batting in the lower order this season. He said that CSK is aware of Dhoni's potential, and they want to fully utilize it in the ongoing IPL 2024.
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