'Include a pacer than send MS Dhoni at No. 9' - Harbhajan SLAMS CSK star for his batting slot vs PBKS

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed MS Dhoni for batting as low as No. 9 during Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) clash versus Punjab Kings in match 53 of the IPL 2024 edition on Sunday (May 5). Locking horns at the picturesqueHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK thrashed Punjab by 28 runs after defending 167 for 9 with ease. Sam Curran-led PBKS only managed 139-9 in return after opting to bowl first. Despite the win, former CSK spinner Harbhajan has slammed Dhoni for coming out to bat at No. 9.

Since the 2023 edition, Dhoni has been in decent form but has batted very low; at No. 6 or below. While many feel his fitness issues haveprevented him from batting ahead, Harbhajan -- and many others -- expected Dhoni to come out early when CSK were reeling at 75 for 4 in less than 10 overs. He came out to bat at No. 9, in the penultimate overand was dismissed for a golden duck. Thus, Bhajji lashed out at the legendary captain for not taking more responsibility with the bat. He feels Ruturaj& Co. should play an extra pacer if Dhoni has to bat so low, even after Shardul Thakur.

'Nothing happens without his permission and I am not ready to accept that...'

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Speaking on Star Sports, during the halfway stage, Harbhajan said, "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."

Hefurther opined, “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."

“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 added.

Meanwhile, Chennai captain Ruturaj reflected on his side's first-ever win over Punjab in the last six meetings and said at the post-match presentation, "Everyone believed the wicket was slow. Even low bounce. Just that the start we got, we were thinking of pushing till 180-200. After losing wickets, thought 160-170 was a good score. Don't know what he's doing, but even in pre-season he was clocking 150kph (on Simarjeet). He didn't get too many chances, but it's never too late. Were thinking of going with an impact batter, but then we thought the batter will give 10-15 runs, but he could give 2-3 wickets. Some of the guys were struggling with flu. Weren't even sure till the morning who's playing or not. To get the win, really happy with that."

CSK are at the third spot with 12 points from 11 games and are very much in contention to qualify for the playoffs. The Yellow Army fans will hope for Dhoni to bat a little higher and continue to strike in the manner he has in the ongoing edition. In IPL 2024, he is striking at224.49 with 110 runs in 49 balls.