Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over MS Dhoni’s decision-making during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) recent clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathan criticized Dhoni’s approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.
In a match where CSK set PBKS a below-par target of 163 runs, Dhoni’s contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny. Pathan highlighted Dhoni’s reluctance to take singles, which he believes hindered the team’s progress.
“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 said.
Pathan also criticized Dhoni’s treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who was denied singles by the former India captain. “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.
Pathan praised PBKS 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.
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 PBKS encounter.
