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No Noor Ahmad In Powerplay And...? 3 Blunders By MS Dhoni That Led To CSK's Defeat vs KKR

Abhinav Tyagi

Noor Ahmad - (AP)Noor Ahmad - (AP)

On Friday, April 11, Chennai Super Kings locked horns against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Chepauk Stadium. It was an embarrassing match for the Men in Yellow as they suffered their worst-ever defeat in IPL History.

Notably, CSK, batting first, tumbled for just 103 runs. It was their lowest total at home and scripted an embarrassing feat with that performance. Further, the match also marked the return of MS Dhoni as a captain. Meanwhile, KKR also chased down the target comfortably. This article will shed light on three tactical blunders by MS Dhoni on his captaincy return. 

1.Juggling In The Batting Order

CSK were asked to bat first. They lost early wickets but MS Dhoni didn't come to bat up the order, but rather sent Ashwin up the order. Notably, the Men in Yellow were reduced to 65/4 and Ashwin was asked to bat. 

However, if MSD or Ravindra Jadeja had come to bat, they could have resurrected Chennai's innings. Meanwhile, Ashwin failed to make any impact and registered a low score of 1 (7). Thus the decision made no sense. 

Further, Thala kept himself for the last and walked down to bat when CSK lost seven wickets. He had less time to make an impact and succumbed under the pressure to score quickly. Thus, the decision made no sense. 

2.Bringing In Deepak Hooda As Impact Player

CSK were 71/6 and when fans thought that Dhoni would walk to bat. However, much to everyone's surprise, Deepak Hooda was sent to bat as an impact player. Notably, Hooda has had a terrible season and his inclusion came as a shock for the fans.

Since the damage was already done, CSK could have relied on Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni to stitch some runs and then bring on Matheesha Pathirana as an impact sub to have more chance to defend the total.

However, Hooda returned to the pavilion for a four-ball duck. Now, CSK were left with no star pacer during the chase. 

3.Not Utilising Noor Ahmad In The Powerplay

The pitch was on the slower side and the spinners were effective at the Chepauk. Ajinkya Rahane too introduced spin from one end and it reaped him results. However, MS Dhoni, despite it being a low total on the board, went ahead with seamers and the damage was done within the first four overs. 

After four overs, KKR were already 46/0. Dhoni didn't use his best spinner Noor Ahmad till the 8th over. Further, Noor came to bowl in the 8th over and took a wicket on his first ball of the spell.