NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over MS Dhoni's decision-making during Chennai Super Kings' recent clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, with specific focus on Dhoni's approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.
In a match where CSK set Punjab Kings a below-par target of 163 runs, Dhoni's contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny, particularly as Punjab Kings went on to chase down the target comfortably, securing a seven-wicket victory with 13 deliveries to spare.
Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, expressed disappointment over Dhoni's reluctance to take singles, remarking, "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 [Daryl Mitchell] is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure," Pathan criticized Dhoni's decision-making, particularly his treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell.
"You have done that with (Ravindra) Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don't need to do that. He could have avoided it," Pathan added, highlighting the negative impact of Dhoni's actions on the team dynamic.
Pathan also lauded Punjab Kings' skipper Sam Curran's tactical acumen, particularly his decision to introduce spinner Rahul Chahar in the 19th over against Dhoni.
"Curran getting a spinner to bowl the 19th over was a masterstroke because considering the form MS Dhoni is in, he could have taken the game way forward in those two overs. He could have scored 30 runs in two overs but they didn't allow him to do that," Pathan acknowledged, recognizing the astute captaincy.
Reflecting on Dhoni's struggles against spin bowling, Pathan noted, "You bowled to him with excellent planning. Although a six was hit for sure in Arshdeep's over, he also bowled well. He (Dhoni) has been unable to score runs against spinners in the last few years, which is why he is bringing himself down the order. He is scoring runs in the last over when the fast bowlers are thinking of bowling yorkers."
Pathan's critique highlights the tactical intricacies and strategic decisions that unfolded during the CSK vs Punjab Kings encounter.
1/10:IPL: Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings in their own den
IANS
2/10:Bairstow and Rossouw's Impact
Key knocks by Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw helped Punjab Kings to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings.AP
3/10:Commanding win for Punjab
Chasing 163 for victory, Punjab depended on Bairstow's 46 and 43 by Rossouw to achieve victory with 13 balls to spare.AFP
4/10:Fourth win for Punjab
Bairstow and Rossouw, a left-handed South African batsman, put on 64 runs for the second wicket to set up the chase.AP
5/10:Shashank, Curran take Punjab home
Shashank Singh, who made 25, and skipper Sam Curran, who hit 26, then put on an unbeaten stand of 50 to steer the team home and keep their slim play-off hopes alive.AP
6/10:Punjab dominate Chennai
Punjab are the second team to defeat Chennai in five successive IPL matches. Mumbai Indians won five in a row against Chennai between 2018 and 2019.PTI
7/10:Fifth defeat for Chennai
Five-time winners Chennai have won five and lost five and stay fourth in the 10-team table led by Rajasthan Royals.ANI
8/10:Punjab bowlers' impact
Bowlers set up victory with spinners Harpreet Brar, who was named man of the match for his figures of 2-17, and Rahul Chahar taking two wickets each in their miserly spells.AP
9/10:Gaikwad claims Orange Cap
Ruturaj Gaikwad with five half-centuries this season surpassed RCB star Virat Kohli (500) as the leading batsman in the IPL 2024 with 509 runs in 10 innings.AFP
