Former Australia opener Shane Watson believes that MS Dhoni should have batted ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin in Chennai Super Kings’ chase of 197 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk on Friday.
Despite Dhoni’s entertaining 30* off 16 balls, CSK endured a crushing 50-run defeat—marking their second consecutive loss of the season after falling to Mumbai Indians in their opener.
Dhoni walked in at No. 9, after Ashwin, even as Chennai faltered at 80/6 in 13 overs. While the situation in the match did not leave much scope for a miraculous recovery, the CSK veteran still played a scintillating knock, hitting three boundaries and two sixes.
But most, including former players, commentators, and fans, were left wondering why Dhoni was kept back till the end of the innings.
"This is precisely what CSK supporters pay to watch—Dhoni battering 30 off 16 balls," Watson said on JioHotstar. "I would have given anything to have seen him coming up the order. He ought to have come in above Ashwin in my view. Had it been in the context of the game situation, Dhoni could have performed like that for another 15 balls.". In the past few years, he has consistently demonstrated that he's still playing with a brilliant bat. I really feel that he ought to be moved higher in the order so we could see the entire repertoire of his skills."
Watson also noted Dhoni's quickness behind the wicket, highlighting that his wicket-keeping is still at its best. "As a wicket-keeper, he's still as quick as anything—whipping off the bails in a flash.". That informs me his game is in top order, and he's as ready as he can get. If CSK had introduced him earlier, they would have stood a better chance of reaching the line. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed what he did tonight, but if he had walked in earlier, CSK could have had a better chance at winning," he added.
Watson Questions CSK's Batting Order
The former all-rounder also questioned the team selection and batting line-up of Chennai, especially the choice of opening with Rahul Tripathi rather than Ruturaj Gaikwad.
It was disappointing to see some choices, such as Rahul Tripathi batting at the top. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good opener, but he had to bat later. Even one of the shots Ruturaj played—where he gave himself space against Hazlewood—was out of character. He usually stands still and responds, but this indicated that he was under pressure. Deepak Hooda, right now, just isn't good enough; he played every ball like he was trying to survive.
Watson also questioned Sam Curran's batting spot, commenting, "Batting Sam Curran at No. 5 was also questionable—I see him as more of a No. 7 batter. Currently, CSK hasn't got their combinations right, and they need to make a few adjustments. If they continue with this batting line-up, they will be exposed."
RCB Finally Breaks Chepauk Curse
For RCB, this was a milestone win, their first at Chepauk against CSK in the post-first season of the IPL.
Skipper Rajat Patidar set the tone with a level-headed half-century, while Phil Salt (32), Virat Kohli (31), and Devdutt Padikkal (27) contributed important runs to help RCB put up a fighting 196/7 in 20 overs. The bowlers then supported the cause by repelling CSK to defend the score.
With this victory, RCB reached the top of the table for two consecutive wins and will next be playing Gujarat Titans on April 2.
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