Sehwag declines debate on MSD's batting spot

Chennai Super Kings suffered their sixth defeat of the season as Gujarat Titans bounced back with a 35-run victory in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan’s remarkable centuries propelled GT to a formidable total of 231/3, and the hosts successfully defended it by restricting CSK to 196/8, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

CSK’s chase began disastrously, losing their openers with just two runs on the board, including skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early departure for a duck, leaving them reeling at 10/3. However, Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali staged a commendable fightback, forging a 109-run partnership to revive CSK’s hopes. But Mohit Sharma’s crucial breakthroughs halted their momentum, dismissing both set batsmen along with Shivam Dube. 

“We should end the debate around MS Dhoni’s batting position…” 

Rashid Khan further compounded CSK’s woes by claiming two vital wickets, leaving them in a precarious position.

“We should end the debate around MS Dhoni’s batting position. He knows what he wants to do. It’s his wish. But if you want to win the match, the form he is in, and the strike rate that he’s batting at… the other batters need to play at a similar level. It felt today that Mitchell and Ali couldn’t match Sudharsan and Gill. Someone has to score a 100. Or Jadeja and Dube had to score a 20-ball fifty to get close to the target,” Sehwag said.

“I don’t want to get into the debate. Wherever he bat, it’s fine. He played fine, entertained the public, who cares if they win or lose? He entertained public, that’s it,” Sehwag further said.

Performance does not lead to the result as CSK defeated by GT 

In a valiant effort, MS Dhoni showcased his batting prowess with three towering sixes in the final over, but it wasn’t enough to salvage the match for CSK. The debate over Dhoni’s batting position has been a topic of discussion throughout IPL 2024, especially after his appearance at no.9 in the previous match against Punjab Kings.

“Like just hitting sixes and fours, which he has done pretty well. And keep as well as some of the best in the competition if not the best in the competition. So don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at No. 9. There’s a timing aspect, but we’re very wary of what he can give us. And we’ll max that out,” Fleming was quoted.

“But we don’t want to max that out where we lose him. So it’s a delicate balance, but trust me, his best interest is with us, and his interest [is] in performing well for us is still very high. To put the nation at ease – he’s okay,” he added.

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Virender Sehwag weighed in on the debate, suggesting that CSK should reconsider Dhoni’s position given his current form. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized Dhoni’s significance to the team, highlighting their efforts to manage his workload and avoid unnecessary pressure. Despite the defeat, CSK remains confident in Dhoni’s ability to contribute effectively to the franchise.