RCB vs CSK: "I’m talking nothing less than..." - Matthew Hayden's strict message to MS Dhoni ahead of blockbuster IPL 2024 clash

The former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden expressed his desire to see the best of MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He stated that he wants to see keeper-batter smashing 18 runs off the last two overs.

There are very high chances that the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) might be the last for MS Dhoni. The match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday (18th May) and it will be a virtual knockout.

MS Dhoni has played quite a few brutal cameos in the ongoing IPL 2024. He has been battling injuries but is pushing himself to play for the fans and is giving his best for his team while batting down the order. He comes to bat quite late due to the injuries but makes a huge impact.

The game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru can be the last opportunity for the fans to see MS Dhoni bat. The expectations would be high from the keeper-batter as he would be keen to take his team home and help them go into the playoffs.

Matthew Hayden' wants MS Dhoni to school on those RCB bowlers and wants the keeper-batter to bat for two overs in the game. Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, he explained:

“(I want to see) MS Dhoni. He may get 15 runs. But I want to see 18 runs off the last two overs. Just play one or two balls and then go to school on those RCB bowlers. I’m talking nothing less than maximums for MS Dhoni at the end. Something that statically he’s been doing very well in this IPL."

I think a great finish would be to win by a huge margin - Sunil Gavaskar on RCB

Sunil Gavaskar, who was also part of the discussion, talked about the mentality of Royal Challengers Bengaluru going into the game. He stated that they would want to win by a big margin as it would be a huge boost for them going into the playoffs. He also urged that they shouldn't commit. He added:

“I think a great finish would be to win by a huge margin. So there’s no tension that they have to win in it in 18 overs, or with less than 18 runs or whatever the calculations are. So just win comfortably. Which you know, is a confidence boost for the playoffs. You squeeze through, and there’s a sense of relief.

"But what happens then in a sports person's mind is when you squeeze through with just a little bit, then there’s a sense of relief that is sometimes so overwhelming that it actually takes away from your commitment for the next game. So often we’ve seen, in tennis, for example, people are 40-love down and they suddenly get to 40 all, no problem. And then next thing you know, they’ve lost the next two points.”

RCB are going through a great patch in the league. After winning just 1 win in their 8 games, they have won 5 on the trot. They would be keen to enter the playoffs.