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Rajat Patidar Emulates Gambhir's Fielding Setup For MS Dhoni; Reignites Iconic IPL Rivalry

Soumyajit Dutta

Patidar's tight field for Dhoni [Source: @Rinku_Nation, @mufaddal_vohra/X]Patidar's tight field for Dhoni [Source: @Rinku_Nation, @mufaddal_vohra/X]

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The match between CSK and RCB was all sorts of wrong for the former. RCB's win at Chepauk after 2008, the hilarious catch drops from Yellow camp and the horrible tumbling of wickets with a hollow middle order. 

Adding to that, MS Dhoni arrived at the crease with Chennai Super Kings reeling at 99/7 in 15.2 overs, sparking questions over his delayed entry despite the team’s precarious position. However, what added some thrill for cricket lovers and RCB and KKR fans was the fielding deployed by RCB Captain Rajat Patidar for MS Dhoni, the batter who certainly does not require any introduction to power-hitting.

Sidhu Highlights Patidar's Emulation Of Gambhir

Navjot Singh Sidhu highlighted RCB’s tactical nod to Gautam Gambhir’s historic field setups against Dhoni during the KKR-CSK rivalry. RCB replicated aggressive bowling changes and defensive fields, stifling and probably mocking Dhoni’s trademark finishing power. 

The loss underscored CSK’s over-reliance on Dhoni in crisis situations, with the decision to hold him back until No. 9 raising strategic eyebrows.

For the unaware, earlier, Dhoni had surprisingly promoted Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of himself during the 15th over, a move that backfired as Ashwin fell quickly.  By the time Dhoni walked in, CSK needed 98 runs off just 28 balls, a near-impossible task even for the legendary finisher.

CSK’s Chase Derailed by Top Order Collapse

Chasing RCB’s 197, CSK’s innings imploded early. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi fell cheaply, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad registered a golden duck. The middle order crumbled under pressure, with Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, and Shivam Dube failing to stabilize. Ravindra Jadeja fought a lone battle until Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal dismantled the lineup.

Dhoni, batting at No. 9, partnered with Jadeja to add 31 runs off 20 balls, injecting fleeting hope with a 14-run cameo. However, Jadeja’s dismissal at 130/8 in the 19th over sealed CSK’s fate. Dhoni’s late surge narrowed the margin, but Chennai fell short by 66 runs, finishing at 130/9.