Courtesy: X
Former India opener Virender Sehwag has taken a sly dig at MS Dhoni’s batting position in the contest between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Following a massive target of 197, when the hosts lost six batters at a score of 80 in 12.5 overs, Dhoni was expected to walk out in the middle. However, CSK performed a shocking move as they sent Ravichandran Ashwin at number seven to join Ravindra Jadeja on the field. The 38-year-old departed after scoring 11 off eight deliveries and Dhoni walked out to bat at number nine.
The veteran struck an unbeaten 30 off 16 but the game slipped away from Chennai’s hands much earlier and RCB succeeded in bagging a 50-run win. With this success, Bengaluru ended their victory drought against CSK at Chepauk, which was going on since 2008. Following Chennai’s drubbing, the debate is high on social media platforms regarding Dhoni’s role in the side. Sehwag, who played with Dhoni in Team India until 2013, looked sarcastic while discussing his CSK legend’s batting position. Appearing on CricBuzz’s talk show, Sehwag said the 43-year-old came out to bat early as he has fed the tendency to bat in the last couple of overs of the innings.
“Jaldi aa gaye na (He came out to bat early)," said Sehwag on the question regarding Dhoni’s batting position against the Challengers. Former India opening stalwart also added, "When he walked out, 16 overs were finished. Usually, he comes in the 19th or 20th over. So he came to bat early, didn't he? Either he came out to bat early, or CSK lost wickets at a rapid pace."
RCB hold the top spot on IPL 2025 points table
RCB are now leading the points table with their sensational victory against CSK. With two consecutive wins, Bengaluru toppled Lucknow Super Giants, who were crowned as number one on the tally after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 27.
Bengaluru will play their next game at their home ground M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2. Captain Rajat Patidar, who won the player of the match (POTM) award for his magnificent 51 off 32 against Chennai, will strive to guide his team to victory in the upcoming game and deliver a cheerful moment to local RCB fans.
