PBKS vs CSK: Irfan Pathan drills down MS Dhoni for his selfish move involving Daryl Mitchell

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator, Irfan Pathan, criticised MS Dhoni's decision-making during the 49th match of the ongoing IPL 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pathan was not happy with Dhoni’s refusal to take a single with Daryl Mitchell against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday, May 1. The former World Cup winner admitted Dhoni's massive fan following, so he felt that considering the former Indian skipper’s capabilities, more was expected from him in that situation for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The cricket commentator further stressed the importance of teamwork in cricket, stating that such decisions shouldn't be made in a team sport, criticizing Dhoni’s selfish act to remain on the crease by refusing to take a single with the star all-rounder and eventually getting run out for 14 off 11 balls.

Irfan Pathan criticized MS Dhoni for his selfish act

Pathan highlighted that New Zealand's Mitchell is also an international-level cricketer and deserves equal opportunities while recalling similar instances when Dhoni did the same with the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, despite both stars being two of the big hitters in the world.

The former Indian all-rounder feels Dhoni could have avoided refusing the single, especially considering the need to support fellow teammates and their ability to hit the ball. He stressed such actions were unnecessary after CSK suffered a wicket defeat against the PBKS on Wednesday. Notably, Dhoni smashed his first six at the Chepauk Stadium on Wednesday.

Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports: “You will definitely talk about the six since MS Dhoni has a huge fan following. People love him a lot. However, the sort of knock he played, more was expected from him. He shouldn't have done that (refusing a single). This is a team game."

"Don't do that in a team game. The other guy is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure. You have done that with (Ravindra) Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don't need to do that. He could have avoided it.”

Irfan Pathan hails Sam Curran's captaincy

In the end, Pathan also praised the PBKS’ stand-in skipper Sam Curran's strategic decision to bring spinner Rahul Chahar to bowl the 19th over in the IPL 2024 clash in Chennai.

Pathan called this move a trump card, especially considering the formidable form of Dhoni, who was capable of significantly taking the game away from PBKS within those two overs.

Pathan suggested that Dhoni had the potential to score around 30 runs in those two overs alone, which could have shifted the momentum in favor of CSK.

However, by introducing Chahar, the PBKS prevented Dhoni from capitalizing on his batting prowess during that crucial phase of the game and the defending champions could post only 162/7 on the board.

PBKS easily chased down the target with 13 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand to hand CSK their 4th loss in the ongoing IPL 2024.

However, CSK remained in third spot in the standings at the moment. On the other hand, PBKS is standing in the seventh spot with 8 points from 10 matches.