Sehwag Criticizes MS Dhoni's Batting Position After CSK's Loss to RCB
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag took a cheeky dig at MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following their 50-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk. The debate around Dhoni’s batting position reignited after the former CSK captain surprised many by coming in at number 9 during the 16th over, despite his team being in dire straits. Dhoni played a quickfire cameo, scoring 30 runs off 16 balls at a strike rate of 187.50, including three boundaries and two sixes. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent a crushing defeat.
Sehwag sarcastically remarked that Dhoni "came in early" compared to his usual entry in the 19th or 20th over. He suggested that CSK had predetermined Dhoni’s limited role with the bat. “Jaldi aa gaye (He came early). Either he came early, or the CSK batters lost their wickets too soon,” Sehwag quipped.
Manoj Tiwary, Sehwag’s co-panelist, criticized Dhoni’s lower-order batting position, questioning why he wasn’t sent earlier given his impressive strike rate of 190. “None of CSK’s coaches have the guts to ask Dhoni to bat up the order,” Tiwary claimed.
Despite the loss, Dhoni overtook Suresh Raina to become CSK's leading run-scorer in IPL history, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.