Former India batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Punjab Kings (PBKS) stand-in captain Sam Curran for a strategic move during the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Navjot Sidhu praised Curran for studying and using spin against MS Dhoni, who outwitted the former CSK captain.
Sam Curran handed the ball to Rahul Chahar in the 19th over of Chennai Super Kings’ innings at Chepauk on Wednesday, May 1. Chahar prevented Dhoni from scoring and allowed just three runs. The right-arm leg-spinner managed to dismiss Moeen Ali, who scored 14 runs off 11 deliveries.
Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Sam Curran for exploiting MS Dhoni’s weakness against spin and termed it a “masterstroke”. Sidhu noticed Curran’s acumen as he recognized Dhoni’s lack of spin and used it to his team’s advantage.
“They were taken down by something unexpected. They used Dhoni’s own medicine against him to deceive him. Check out Dhoni’s practice. He always hits those long shots into the nets against fast bowlers. He didn’t practice spin. In the entire tournament, when Dhoni has played 6 overs, they were all against spin. But Punjab’s captain [Sam Curran] played a master stroke. He employed a weirdo. Sidhu said on Star Sports.
Harpreet Brar posted figures of 2/17 while Rahul Chahar also contributed with two wickets for 16 runs. CSK managed to score 162 runs in the allotted 20 overs. The Sam Curran-led team chased the target with seven wickets with 13 balls remaining to secure their fifth consecutive win against CSK.
Navjot Singh Sidhu noted that Dhoni seemed unprepared to face the challenge from Rahul Chahar. The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned Harpreet Brar’s delivery to Shivam Dube which resulted in a dismissal.
“Dhoni was not prepared. He hasn’t faced him for seven to eight months. The game turned. And on top of that, Harpreet Brar bowled a faster ball to Shivam Dube. Sidhu was quoted by HT.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team avenged their previous defeat against PBKS by securing a 28-run win at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday. Dhoni surprised everyone by batting at number 9 for the first time in his IPL career. However, the veteran batsman was dismissed for a first-ball duck from Harshal Patel.
It doesn’t help the team’s cause – Irfan Pathan
Former India bowler Irfan Pathan criticized MS Dhoni for batting at number nine. Pathan suggested that Dhoni should take the responsibility of moving up the order for at least 4-5 overs instead of batting in the last over or last two overs.
“MS Dhoni batting at number 9 doesn’t work for CSK, it doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know he’s 42, but he’s in solid shape. He should take the responsibility of maintaining the order.” He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs. He bats for the last over or the last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve his purpose in the long run.” Pathan told Star Sports.
Dhoni has scored 110 runs in 11 matches at an average of 55 and an impressive strike rate of over 224, with his best score of 37 not being reached. Chennai Super Kings are currently third in the points table with 12 points from 11 games and have picked up six wins and five defeats.
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