Why MS Dhoni Came to bat at No. 9 : In the 53rd IPL match, Chennai Super Kings were tasked with batting first after Punjab Kings chose to bowl upon winning the toss. Prior to this encounter, Punjab Kings had defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 5 times in a row. Even in this match, Punjab Kings' bowlers were relentless, restricting CSK's scoring opportunities. When CSK found themselves at 122 for 6 at the end of the 16th over in Dharamsala, spectators anticipated MS Dhoni to take charge and bolster the score.
However, Shardul Thakur entered the ground and left everyone shocked, he couldn't make a significant impact, falling prey to the in-form PBKS bowler Harshal Patel after scoring 17 runs off 11 balls. A player like Dhoni, walking in at number 9 literally shocked the fans in the stand and he even faced criticism for this decision. Some even labeled him selfish. He attracted criticism from his former teammate and current commentator Harbhajan Singh as well, who suggested Dhoni should consider dropping himself and playing an extra bowler if he can't come to bat in this kind of situation.
MS Dhoni forced down to play down the order due to muscle tear
Nevertheless, according to a report in The Times of India, Dhoni's lower batting position was due to a muscle tear in his leg, limiting his mobility. He was even suggested by doctors to take rest, but this team is already struggling with injuries, so he had no choice other than to give his contribution even in pain.
The report explained that the tear occurred earlier in this IPL season, and in the absence of a suitable backup, Dhoni had no choice but to endure the pain and play on with the help of medication. Additionally, Devon Conway, the team's other wicketkeeper, was unavailable due to a thumb injury, further restricting Dhoni's options.
"the sacrifice that he is doing for this team"
Prior to this IPL season, Dhoni had passed on the IPL captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, whom he had praised for having the potential and spark to achieve great things. Despite criticism, a CSK source defended Dhoni, highlighting the sacrifices he's making for the team.
“We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don’t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team,” a CSK source close to the publication said
The last season was full of challenges for Thala, still he conquered
In 2023, Dhoni played the entire season with a knee injury, and it was the season when CSK won their 5th title under his captaincy. The injury was so severe that he had to undergo surgery right after the season. Although his knee had fully healed before this IPL, a muscle tear in his leg during the 2024 season posed a new challenge.
This season holds special significance for CSK fans because it might be MS Dhoni's last season of IPL. They wouldn't want their idol to endure such pain because Dhoni has always put the team's needs ahead of his own, showing selflessness in every moment. He's the kind of man who understands the importance of prioritizing his responsibilities over the pain he believes he can bear.
