IPL 2024: Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni's Batting Position At CSK - 'Better To Include Fast Bowler Instead Of Him'

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Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Harbhajan Singh has said Chennai Super Kings are better of picking a fast bowler instead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni if the plan is for the veteran wicketkeeper to bat at number 9 in IPL 2024.

Dhoni has often walked out to bat in the closing stages of the innings, when him batting up the order could have changed the outcome of the game, leading to experts and fans criticizing the decision.

On Sunday (May 5), Dhoni batted at No. 9 for the first time in his T20 career, and his decision ultimately backfired as he was dismissed for a golden duck against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium as CSK looked to push for a big total.

Dhoni, who has come out to bat with 1-2 overs to go in the matches, allowed both Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur to bat ahead of him before coming out in the 19th over. And in his very first ball, he was beaten all ends up by a yorker from Harshal Patel.

Following CSK's innings which came to a close at 167/9, former India spinner Harbhajan, who was not impressed by the decision, questioned Dhoni for his late arrival to the crease when CSK were in need of runs.

"MS Dhoni shouldn't play if he wants to bat at the number 9 slot. It is better to include a fast bowler than him in the playing XI. He is the decision-maker and has let down his team by not coming out to bat," Harbhajan Singh said on Star Sports.

"Shardul Thakur came ahead of him. Thakur can never hit shots like Dhoni and I don't understand why Dhoni made this mistake. Nothing happens without his permission and I am not ready to accept that this decision to demote him was taken by someone else."

Dhoni has made some useful contributions with the bat in the ongoing season, scoring cameos against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. So, Harbhajan was critical of the veteran's decision to bat lower when CSK needed runs.

"CSK were in a need of quick runs and Dhoni has done that in the previous games. It was shocking that he stayed back in the important contest against Punjab Kings. Even if CSK win today, I will still call out Dhoni. Let people say anything. I will say what is right," Harbhajan said.

CSK eventually won the match by 28 runs after an all-round show by Ravindra Jadeja (3 for 20 & 43 off 26 balls) as PBKS were restricted to 139/9 in their allotted 20 overs, helping the defending champions back into the top four.