• MS Dhoni's decision to deny a run a single to Daryl Mitchell became the focal point of discussion during CSK vs PBKS IPL 2024 match.

  • Chennai Super Kings posted 162/7 after being invited to bat first by Punjab Kings.

Fans slam MS Dhoni for refusing Daryl Mitchell a clear single to retain strike during CSK vs PBKS clash | IPL 2024
MS Dhoni and Daryl Mitchell (Image Source: Twitter)

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.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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.

Also READ: Australia’s Aaron Finch ranks the top 5 opening pairs of IPL 2024

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