CSK’s horror run in IPL continued as they lost their 2023 season opener against defending champions GT by five wickets on Friday in Ahmedabad. It was their fourth successive loss in IPL, three of which came during their forgettable run in 2022. Following the loss, former India cricketer Virender Sehwag lashed out at MS Dhoni for his poor captaincy in the match which left him rather surprised at the mistakes he made.
Sehwag, in conversation with Cricbuzz, said –
“Had Dhoni used an over from Moeen Ali somewhere in the middle, he may not have needed to go to Tushar Deshpande, who was highly expensive. You don’t expect MS Dhoni making such mistakes often, but that’s where you could use the risk-and-reward approach of using an off-spinner when right-handers are batting.”
Veteran India batter Manoj Tiwary, who was part of the discussion, admitted that he was taken aback by Dhoni giving the new ball to Deshpande, pointing out that the fast bowler is usually used in the later phases of the game as seen in domestic cricket, saying that the young Rajvardhan Hangargekar should have been used in powerplay.
Manoj Tiwary said –
“I was surprised when they gave the impact substitute Tushar Deshpande the new ball. In domestic cricket, he often bowls in the latter phases of the game. I thought maybe they could have given Rajvardhan Hangargekar the new ball.”
