IPL 2024: Irfan Pathan slams former CSK skipper MS Dhoni for batting at No-9 against Punjab Kings

Irfan criticises Dhoni for batting at No- 9

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his dissatisfaction with MS Dhoni's decision to bat at number 9 during the match against the Punjab Kings. He remarked that the former CSK captain's decision does not benefit the team.

Harshal Patel dismissed Dhoni for a golden duck with a dipping slower yorker during the match against Punjab. Pathan noted that, given Dhoni's impressive batting form in the IPL 2024, he should bat higher up the order. It was the first time Dhoni had batted at number 9 in his T20 career.

This marked the first occasion in the IPL 2024 that Dhoni was dismissed for a duck by Harshal Patel. Patel dismissed Dhoni for the third time in this season.

Pathan stated that Dhoni batting at number 9 does not work for the Chennai Super Kings and doesn't align with the team's goals. He also added that, although Dhoni is now 42, he is in excellent form and should take on the responsibility of batting higher in the order. Pathan suggested that Dhoni should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs, noting that batting only in the final over or last two overs does not serve CSK's long-term interests.

Dhoni has batted in 9 of the 11 matches, scoring 110 runs at an impressive average of 55 and a striking strike rate of 224.48 in the season. His highest score so far is an unbeaten 37.

Pathan mentioned that CSK might still qualify for the playoffs, but they need to win 90 percent of their games. He emphasised that Dhoni, as a senior player in form, should bat higher up the order. He shouldn't continue doing what he's done in previous matches.