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During Match 49 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), MS Dhoni‘s decision to deny a run by vocally signaling to explosive batter Daryl Mitchell became the focal point of discussion on Wednesday (May 1).
Sam Curran’s toss decision sets the stage
Sam Curran‘s astute decision to opt for fielding first upon winning the toss paid dividends for Punjab as Chennai could only muster 102 runs in the initial 15 overs. As the innings approached its conclusion, the dismissals of Sameer Rizvi and Ruturaj Gaikwad left the task to Dhoni and Mitchell to seize control with a couple of overs in hand. Despite facing four deliveries from Rahul Chahar in the 19th over, Dhoni managed to score just three runs. However, the 20th over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, witnessed an unusual incident involving Dhoni.
Also READ: Top 5: Batters with most sixes by Pull Shot in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
MS Dhoni’s strategic decision: A focal point
On the third ball of the last over, Arshdeep delivered a low full-toss wide outside the stumps, resulting in Dhoni miscuing his shot towards sweeper cover. Despite an easy single being available and Mitchell already stationed at the striker’s end, Dhoni opted to deny the run. Known for his entertaining batting style, particularly towards the end of innings, Dhoni displayed confidence in his decision to prevent the in-form batter Mitchell from taking the run. Gesturing for Mitchell to retreat towards the bowler’s end, Dhoni seemed determined to retain strike. However, this move puzzled fans, who expressed surprise and disbelief at Dhoni’s unexpected decision.
Daryl, you have the best seat in the house! Relax 😎#TATAIPL #CSKvPBKS #IPLonJioCinema #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/NaM8jGqIUj
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 1, 2024
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Dhoni sent Mitchell back just to get the limelight of last over pic.twitter.com/HAUl4cY3yf
— Stutii (@Sam0kayy) May 1, 2024
Very poor from Dhoni to deny single there. You didn't send Mitchell at 4 and made him a finsiher in this game and you don't trust him to face even one ball? Fuckin hate everything about today. https://t.co/lk9MWRjmdx
— Murphy ❁ (@review_retained) May 1, 2024
Dhoni 14(11) even after all the full toss in last over 😂🤣 3 dot balls in 19th over + denying single to Mitchell with 2 balls left so that he can give a wild swing for atleast one 6 😆
— “ (@KohlifiedGal) May 1, 2024
Name a batter who is more selfish than MS Dhoni?
Daryl mitchell being treated like he’s some kind of tailender💔#CSKvsPBKS #MSDhoni
pic.twitter.com/s5Oh8bMviD— Ayaan (@Retired__hurt) May 1, 2024
Poor Mitchell, respect for Dhoni is over now. It’s a game of cricket where you play for our team. Here “dhala” didn’t hesitate doing this in the middle of ground . CSK going to lose this match it’s a wrath. #CSKvPBKS #Thala pic.twitter.com/GTtLMJvU9f
— NerdVana (@awaaraa_) May 1, 2024
MS Dhoni refusing a single in the 20th over with Daryl Mitchell at the other end. Embarrassing stuff.
— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) May 1, 2024
Not at all selfish from Dhoni. If anyone has seen Mitchell batting at death this season , he wasn't able to connect a single one.
— ` (@FourOverthrows) May 1, 2024
There are very few batters in the last 3 years who have scored runs consistently in all 3 formats. Mitchell is probably the best among them. Didn't like him being denied the strike, he is not a tailender
— Prithvi (@Puneite_) May 1, 2024
I don't have issues with Dhoni denying singles with Mitchell at the other ene if he promises to bat above him in every game in every situation.
— cricBC (@cricBC) May 1, 2024
Irfan Pathan on Star Sports, "Wrong from MS Dhoni to not give strike to Daryll Mitchell even if he hit 3 huge sixes in next 3 balls".
I agree with Irfan Pathan ✅️
— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) May 1, 2024
Dhoni has refused a single to Daryl Mitchell. This is an insult to the entire New Zealand cricket team 😂
— Aman (@AmanHasNoName_2) May 1, 2024
Mitchell is an exceptional batsman. Scored two centuries in recently concluded world cup. And dhoni is treating him like a tailender.
— मिसोजिनिस्ट निrमू ( मोदी का परिवार ) (@nirmalogy) May 1, 2024
Dhoni’s final flourish and a run-out
On the following delivery, Dhoni failed to connect with an Arshdeep bouncer, but he quickly made amends by dispatching the next ball for a massive six off the PBKS pacer, adding the final flourish to the innings. However, his six on the penultimate ball was marred by a run-out on the last delivery. Despite Dhoni’s desperate attempt to complete a double, he fell short as Harshal Patel and Jitesh Sharma combined to execute the run-out as CSK could made only 162/7. This marked the first instance in the IPL 2024 league phase where Dhoni faced dismissal during a CSK innings. Prior to the encounter against PBKS at Chepauk, the former India skipper had maintained an unbeaten streak across seven games this season.
