Flashback To IPL 2016: When MS Dhoni's Run Miscalculation Saw Irfan Pathan Sacrifice His Wicket
Dhoni, already halfway down the pitch, urgently shouted "RUN" in frustration. With no other choice, the unfortunate Pathan made the sacrifice, sacrificing his own wicket to ensure his captain's safety.
IPL 2024: Social media chatter about one of IPL 2016 season talking points, where Irfan Pathan selflessly sacrificed his wicket for MS Dhoni, has reignited a spirited debate within the cricketing fraternity. This discourse gained momentum following recent criticism levelled at Dhoni for his refusal to take a single run with Daryl Mitchell in a match against Punjab Kings.
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The IPL 2016 incident in league's match 45, where Dhoni opted for Pathan's run-out, bears striking parallels to the recent controversy.
Back then, in a crucial moment during the penultimate delivery of the 14th over, Dhoni had deftly directed a ball towards backward point, initiating what seemed like a promising single. However, Pathan, momentarily misjudging the situation, took a couple of steps forward before realizing the ball had swiftly landed in the hands of Piyush Chawla, leaving no opportunity for a run.
Also Read: Criticism Surfaces For MS Dhoni As Fans Label Decision To Deny Single To Daryl Mitchell 'Selfish'
Dhoni, already halfway down the pitch, urgently shouted "RUN" in frustration. With no other choice, the unfortunate Pathan made the sacrifice, sacrificing his own wicket to ensure his captain's safety.
Despite this selfless act, Dhoni's reaction was not one of gratitude; instead, a disdainful glance was cast in Pathan's direction as he made his way back to the pavilion.
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In the recent clash between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, echoes of this debate resurfaced during the final over of Chennai's innings. Dhoni's choice not to rotate the strike, despite Mitchell's readiness and recent batting prowess, elicited widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Pathan, speaking candidly in an interview with Star Sports, expressed his dissent toward such tactical decisions, emphasizing the crucial aspect of team unity and acknowledging the potential contributions of players like Mitchell.
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Chennai Super Kings, batting first after being invited, managed to post a competitive but relatively modest total of 162 runs on the scoreboard. The innings was anchored by Ruturaj Gaikwad's resilient knock, providing a platform for his team amidst occasional setbacks. However, the talented spin duo of Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar proved to be the architects of Punjab Kings' bowling attack, each scalping two wickets to contain the Chennai Super Kings' batting lineup.
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In response, Punjab Kings, buoyed by the partnership of Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw, executed a clinical chase, achieving the target set by Chennai Super Kings with remarkable ease and efficiency, crossing the finishing line in under 18 overs.
The unfolding of these events has reignited pertinent discussions within the cricketing community, centering around Dhoni's strategic decision-making on the field and the delicate equilibrium between team strategy and individual performance in the high-stakes arena of T20 cricket.
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