RCB vs CSK: 'MS Dhoni can't say, I have to take care of my knee' - Irfan Pathan sends blunt message to CSK legend

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan made a massive statement on MS Dhoni ahead of the game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He stated that the keeper-batter needs to bat up the order and he needs to forget about the injury in his knee for the team. 

One of the biggest clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will be taking place on Saturday (18th May) between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It will be a virtual eliminator because the winner of the game will take the playoff spot. 

Chennai Super Kings will have to win the game to qualify while for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they need to win the game by 18 runs or chase target inside 18 overs. It might also be the last game for MS Dhoni in his career and the spotlight would be on him as the two teams take the field. 

MS Dhoni has been batting down the order for the Chennai Super Kings. He has been battling a knee issue which isn't allowing him to run quickly between the wickets. However, he has maximized the opportunity to the full extent as he made a huge impact on the team in whatever deliveries he has faced. 

Many fans and experts have expressed their desire to see keeper-batter bat higher in the order. But with MS Dhoni likely to play his last game, there might be chances that he bats up the order and helps his team in the game which will be extremely crucial for them in the tournament. 

Irfan Pathan however didn't go easy on MS Dhoni and said that the keeper-batter needs to bear some pain and needs to take solid responsibility for his team. He believes that if the batter comes to bat at the right time then he can change the game. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 

"You might see MS Dhoni bat up the order against RCB, 1 or 2 over or maybe 3 over up in the order because this is a crucial time. It's not the time where you say, 'I have to take care of my knee', not the time where you take things a bit lightly. This is the business end now, and if you lose here and in case with a big margin, then you are out of the tournament. 

"MS Dhoni has to bear some pain and needs to take solid responsibility for his team which he has taken for the last decade or so. This season, he came a bit late to bat, and if he comes at the right time, then he will bat for at least 3 overs."

If RCB reach the playoffs, then the other three teams in playoffs will be on the backfoot - Irfan Pathan 

Irfan Pathan further talked about the importance of momentum in the league. He feels that if Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach the playoffs, they will be hard to stop and the other three teams will be scared of them. He added:

"The most dangerous thing is momentum in IPL. If any team has momentum, we have seen KKR and MI do it in the past - winning back-to-back matches after a slow start and then going on to become champions. These things happen, and if you have the momentum, then every team is scared of you. 

"If RCB reaches the playoffs, then the other three teams in playoffs - KKR, RR and SRH will play on the backfoot against RCB. Because they didn't see loss and found the right formula, which they had missed at the start of the season." 

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.