During game 49 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) And Punjab Kings (PBKS), MS Dhonis decision to deny a run by giving loud signals to an explosive batter Daryl Mitchell was the focus of the discussion on Wednesday (May 1st).
Sam Curran’s throwing decision paves the way
Sam CurranThe wise decision of opting to field first after winning the toss paid off for Punjab as Chennai could only muster 102 runs in the first 15 overs. As the inning neared its end, the dismissals occurred Sameer Rizvi And Ruturaj Gaikwad left Dhoni and Mitchell to take control with a few overs in hand. Despite four deliveries of Rahul Chahar In the 19th over, Dhoni managed to score just three runs. But on the 20th over, bowling over Arshdeep Singhwitnessed an unusual incident with Dhoni.
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MS Dhoni’s strategic decision: One focus
On the third ball of the last over, Arshdeep delivered a flat delivery well outside the stumps, which resulted in Dhoni missing his shot towards the sweeper cover. Despite a simple single being available and Mitchell already stationed at the striker’s end, Dhoni opted to deny the run. Known for his entertaining batting style, especially towards the end of the innings, Dhoni showed confidence in his decision to stop in-form batsman Mitchell from making a breakthrough. Dhoni motioned for Mitchell to retreat to the bowler’s end and seemed determined to maintain the strike. However, this move confused fans who expressed their surprise and disbelief over 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
This is how Twitter reacted:
Dhoni sent Mitchell back only to steal the limelight in the final game pic.twitter.com/HAUl4cY3yf
– Stutii (@Sam0kayy) May 1, 2024
Very poor of Dhoni to deny single there. You didn’t send Mitchell at 4 and make him a finisher in that game, and you don’t trust him to hit a single ball? Damn, I hate everything today. https://t.co/lk9MWRjmdx
— Murphy ❁ (@review_retained) May 1, 2024
Dhoni 14(11) even after all the full toss in the last over 😂🤣 3 dot balls in the 19th over + single denied to Mitchell with 2 balls remaining so he can give a wild swing for at least a 6 😆
— “ (@KohlifiedGal) May 1, 2024
Name a batsman more selfish than MS Dhoni?
Daryl Mitchell is treated like he’s some kind of tailender💔#CSKvsPBKS #MSDhoni
pic.twitter.com/s5Oh8bMviD– Ayan (@Retired__hurt) May 1, 2024
Poor Mitchell, the respect for Dhoni is gone now. It’s a cricket game where you play for our team. Here “Dhala” did not hesitate to do so in the middle of the floor. CSK will lose this game, it’s a wrath. #CSKvPBKS #Thala pic.twitter.com/GTtLMJvU9f
– NerdVana (@awaaraa_) May 1, 2024
MS Dhoni denied a single in the 20th over with Daryl Mitchell at the other end. Embarrassing stuff.
– Sugar Doctor (@DoctorLFC) May 1, 2024
Not selfish from Dhoni at all. If anyone saw Mitchell battling death this season, he couldn’t score a single goal.
— ` (@FourOverthrows) May 1, 2024
Over the last three years, there have been very few batters who have consistently scored runs in all three formats. Mitchell is probably the best of them. He didn’t like being denied the strike, he’s not a latecomer
– Prithvi (@Puneite_) May 1, 2024
I have no problem with Dhoni refusing singles with Mitchell at the other end when he promises to bat above him in every game and in every situation.
– cricBC (@cricBC) May 1, 2024
Irfan Pathan on Star Sports: “It is wrong of MS Dhoni not to give Daryll Mitchell a shot even if he hits three big sixes in the next three balls.”
I agree with Irfan Pathan ✅️
– Abhishek (@vicharabhio) May 1, 2024
Dhoni denied Daryl Mitchell a single. 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 the recently concluded World Cup. And Dhoni treats him like a tailender.
— Misogynist Nirmu (Modi’s family) (@nirmalogy) May 1, 2024
Dhoni’s last bounce and a slip
On the following delivery, Dhoni failed to hit a rebound from Arshdeep, but he quickly made amends by blasting the next ball for a massive six off the PBKS pacer, putting the finishing touches to the innings. However, his six off the penultimate ball was marred by a run-out on the last delivery. Despite Dhoni’s desperate attempt to complete a double, he failed as Harshal Patel and Jitesh Sharma combined for the run-out as CSK could only score 162/7. This was the first time in the league phase of IPL 2024 that Dhoni was dismissed during a CSK innings. Before the encounter against PBKS in Chepauk, the former Indian captain was unbeaten in seven matches this season.
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