MS Dhoni batting at No.9 doesn’t work for CSK: Irfan Pathan

MS Dhoni. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not happy with veteran Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper MS Dhoni after he came out to bat at No. 9 against Punjab Kings in his side’s recent clash. Both teams locked horns in the 53rd match of the tournament at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, on Sunday, May 5.

Batting first, it was noticed by Pathan that Dhoni, who seemed to be in prolific form, came out to bat at No. 9 in the first innings. Furthermore, he was unable to make any impact, batting so low in the order that he was sent packing by Harshal Patel for a golden duck.

Speaking about the same, Pathan opined that Dhoni cannot bat so low in the order as it will never help the team’s cause. According to Pathan, Dhoni should be taking more responsibility, and despite his age, he has looked to be in good form for the five-time champions.

“MS Dhoni batting at No. 9 doesn’t work for CSK, it’s doesn’t help the team’s cause. I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least 4 to 5 overs. He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term,” Pathan told Star Sports.

He needs to bat up the order: Pathan

It is worth noting that in nine innings in 11 matches, MS Dhoni has amassed 110 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 224.48. Whenever he has come out to bat, he has been aggressive right from the get-go and impressed with his performances, defying his age.

“It might happen that we will see CSK qualify for the playoffs from here on, and they need to win 90 percent of their games. As a proper senior guy who’s in form, he needs to bat up the order. He can’t be doing the same thing that he has done on quite a few occasions,” Pathan said.