‘Don’t do that in a team game’ Irfan Pathan questions MS Dhoni for not taking singles

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over legendary player MS Dhoni’s decision-making during CSK’s recent clash against PBKS in the IPL 2024, with a specific focus on Dhoni’s approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.

In the 49th game of the IPL, Punjab Kings won the match against CSK. Here CSK set PBKS a below-par target of 163 runs, MS Dhoni’s contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny, particularly as PBKS went to chase down the target easily, securing a 7-wicket victory with 13 deliveries to spare.

Irfan Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, expressed disappointment over Dhoni’s reluctance to take singles, remarking, “He shouldn’t have done that (refusing a single). This is a team game. Don’t do that in a team game. The other guy (Daryl Mitchell) is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure,” Pathan slammed Dhoni’s decision-making, particularly his treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell.

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“You have done that with Ravindra Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don’t need to do that. He could have avoided it,” Pathan added, highlighting the negative impact of Dhoni’s actions on the team dynamic.

Pathan also lauded Punjab Kings skipper Sam Curran’s tactical acumen, particularly his decision to introduce spinner Rahul Chahar in the 19th over against Dhoni.

“Curran getting a spinner to bowl the 19th over was a masterstroke because considering the form MS Dhoni is in, he could have taken the game way forward in those 2 overs. He could have scored 30 runs in 2 overs but they didn’t allow him to do that,” Pathan acknowledged, recognizing the astute captaincy.

Reflecting on Dhoni’s struggles against spin bowling, Pathan noted, “You bowled to him with excellent planning. Although a six was hit for sure in Arshdeep’s over, he also bowled well. He has been unable to score runs against spinners in the last few years, which is why he is bringing himself down the order. He is scoring runs in the last over when the fast bowlers are thinking of bowling yorkers.”

Irfan Pathan’s critique highlights the tactical intricacies and strategic decisions that unfolded during the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings encounter.

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