Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticized MS Dhoni’s decision to bat at the No. 9 spot in a recent IPL match, calling it a “mistake” that let down the team. Dhoni, known for his finishing abilities, came out to bat in the 19th over against Punjab Kings and was dismissed for a golden duck, a rare failure for the legendary cricketer.
Harbhajan Singh expressed his disappointment with Dhoni’s decision, suggesting that if he is going to bat so low in the order, it would be better to include an extra fast bowler in the playing XI instead. He questioned why Dhoni allowed Shardul Thakur to bat ahead of him, stating that Thakur does not possess the same hitting abilities as Dhoni.
The former spinner emphasized that Dhoni’s role as a finisher is crucial for CSK, especially in tight situations where quick runs are needed. He stated that even if CSK managed to win the match against Punjab Kings, he would still call out Dhoni for his decision.
Despite Dhoni’s rare failure with the bat, Chennai Super Kings managed to secure a crucial victory over Punjab Kings, thanks to an all-round performance from Ravindra Jadeja. With this win, CSK climbed to the third position in the IPL 2024 points table.
The criticism from Harbhajan Singh adds an interesting twist to the ongoing IPL season, highlighting the importance of strategic decisions in the game of cricket.