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Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan and spinner Harbhajan Singh harshly criticized the former India skipper MS Dhoni for his decision to come out to bat at as low as no.9 position in the game against Punjab Kings at the picturesque Dharamsala. Dhoni, who came out to bat even after bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, couldn’t make it big as he was deceived by Harshal Patel’s slower delivery to dismiss for a golden duck.
Although the visiting side romped over the Sam Curran-led side comfortably by 28 runs, the batting position of the five-time IPL-winning skipper became a talking point among the fans and the commentators. Among the experts who questioned the abject move of MS Dhoni to bat lower the order, one was his former Indian and CSK teammate Irfan Pathan, who argued that Dhoni should take responsibility while batting.
Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan said, “MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn’t work for CSK, it doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat at least 4 to 5 overs. He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term.”
Harbhajan Singh fumes on Dhoni's demotion against Punjab Kings
Adding to the rage on MS Dhoni's decision to bat at the No.9 position, former CSK player Harbhajan Singh also spoke about Dhoni's role in the team and said if he wants to bat at no.9, CSK instead should add another bowler in their ranks. "MS Dhoni shouldn't play if he wants to bat at the number 9 slot. It is better to include a fast bowler than him in the playing XI. I'm sure it's his decision because he's the decision maker of CSK," Singh said on Star Sports.
Ravindra Jadeja helps Chennai secure sixth victory in IPL 2024
Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings raced to their sixth victory in the IPL 2024 as they secured a thumping victory over Punjab Kings by 28 runs in their reverse fixture clash in Dharamsala. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja starred with both bat and ball as he scored a fighting 43, batting first on the tricky pitch, then scalping three crucial wickets to derail the home side’s batting unit.
With the win, Chennai Super Kings surged to the third position in the points table with 12 points in 11 games while Punjab Kings remained at the eighth position with just four wins in seven games.
