IPL 2024: MS Dhoni's Late Deployment From Chennai Super Kings - A Costly Mistake Against Sunrisers Hyderabad?

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Chennai Super Kings faced their second consecutive defeat in the IPL 2024, both away from home, as Sunrisers Hyderabad outplayed the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side, securing a six-wicket victory.

In pursuit of a modest target of 166, a dominant display from SRH batsmen propelled them to yet another convincing win at their home ground i.e. Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, reaching home with 11 balls to spare, significantly improving their net run rate.

IPL 2024: SRH top order outshines CSK

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Aiden Markram exhibited their formidable batting prowess during the chase. Head (31 off 24), Sharma (37 off 12), and Markram (50 off 36) laid the groundwork for a comfortable chase.

In contrast, CSK's top-order batsmen struggled, except Shivam Dube, who scored a brisk 45 off 24 balls to inject momentum into the innings. However, after his dismissal, CSK managed only 46 runs in the last 6.2 overs. Ajinkya Rahane (35 off 30), Ravindra Jadeja (31 off 23), and Daryll Mitchell (13 off 11) found it challenging to find boundaries against the ageing ball.

CSK Middle Order Failed Against SRH

CSK boasts significant firepower in their middle order with the likes of Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Mitchell, and MS Dhoni, all proven match-winners. However, their decision to keep Dhoni lower down the order in this match proved to be a missed opportunity.

The veteran cricketer, who showcased his big-hitting abilities in the previous game against Delhi Capitals, could have made a significant impact had he come out to bat after Rahane's dismissal in the 15th over. But he kept himself in the dressing room a tad too long and it cost CSK badly.

Should MS Dhoni have batted up in the order?

The veteran right-handed batter scored a quickfire 16-ball 37 in the last game against Delhi Capitals in the big run chase but failed to take his team across the finish line. But sent a strong message to all the bowlers that he's still one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball.

The threat of batting exploits in the previous match would have put some extra pressure on SRH bowlers, forcing them to change their tactics. By the time he walked into the middle to bat in Hyderabad, it was already too late as he got to face just two balls.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, commentating on the match, highlighted the importance of Dhoni's presence in the middle order, stating that his arrival earlier could have applied pressure on the SRH bowlers.

"Dhoni had an opportunity to face some 10-15 out of the remaining 30 balls, had he walked into the middle after Rahane's dismissal. His mere presence on the pitch, and the crowd's support behind him, would have put pressure on SRH bowlers. I think CSK missed the trick there," Pathan observed.

While acknowledging Pathan's observation, former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif noted Dhoni's steadfast adherence to his predetermined game plans and strategies, suggesting that Dhoni's decision to bat lower down the order was intentional and characteristic of his playing style.

"MS Dhoni Bade Adiyal Player Hain. Ek Baar Agar Unhone Decide Kar Liya Ki Wo Number 7-8 Par Aayenge, To Wo Issi Jagah Par Aayenge Batting Karne. Lekin Aaj Unhe Jaldi Aana Chahiye Tha Kyuki Team Ko Fayada Hota Unke Batting Form Se. (MS Dhoni is a very rigid player. If he has decided to bat at number 7-8, he will stick to that decision more often than not. But tonight he should have come in early for that would have made the difference for his team," remarked Kaif in the commentary box.

CSK lost both their matches on the road and not often do we see the Yellow Army lose back-to-back games in the IPL. They will now head back home where they'll host traditional rivals Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday (April 8). KKR are in a good form as they are unbeaten in the last three games in IPL 2024 and it will be a challenge for CSK to stop their juggernaut from rolling even at the comfort of their home.