Batting Coach Mike Hussey Talks About CSK’s Plans for IPL 2024: According to CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey, it’s unlikely that MS Dhoni will be moved up the batting order in IPL 2024.
During an IPL 2024 match between CSK and the Gujarat Titans, when Shivam Dube was smashing boundaries and Daryl Mitchell was keeping the scoreboard ticking, the cameras panned to the Chennai Super Kings dugout. Behind the glass doors, MS Dhoni was seen practicing his big shots. With just five overs left in the innings and CSK having seven wickets in hand, including an extra batter, it seemed like the perfect time for Dhoni to showcase his skills.
However, despite the opportunity, Dhoni remained where he was in the batting order. This decision suggests that the team management might not be inclined to promote Dhoni up the order anytime soon. It’s a departure from the norm, as Dhoni is known for his explosive batting and finishing abilities, often being sent higher up the order in crucial situations.
The keen Chepauk crowd could feel it, and so could the broadcaster’s hero cam. It zoomed in on Dhoni, capturing every move. In those moments between deliveries, all eyes were on him. The crowd buzzed with excitement, hoping to witness Dhoni’s magic.
It’s been nearly a year since Dhoni last showcased his batting skills in a competitive cricket match. The anticipation grew as fans eagerly awaited his appearance on the field. However, in the IPL 2024 opener against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Dhoni didn’t get the chance to step out and swing his bat.
The disappointment lingered as fans yearned to see their favorite player in action. Despite the enthusiasm and hopes of the crowd, Dhoni remained on the sidelines, extending the wait for his much-anticipated innings.
As the match progressed on Monday, the excitement continued to build. When Shivam Dube, after an impressive innings of 51 runs off 23 balls, was dismissed while trying to hit Rashid Khan for a six in the second ball of the 19th over, the Chepauk crowd eagerly anticipated MS Dhoni’s appearance. They held their breath, hoping to see him stride confidently from the dugout to the crease. It’s always a thrilling sight to witness Dhoni’s authoritative presence and stylish approach to batting. If only the CSK management had followed their hearts.
However, instead of Dhoni, it was young Sameer Rizvi who walked in. There was a collective gasp from the crowd, but the young right-hander quickly made an impact by hitting his first ball in the IPL for a six. He didn’t stop there, smashing another six off the last ball of the over.
As the match reached its climax, Sameer Rizvi’s time at the crease was cut short as he got out in the third ball of the last over. With more than 30 thousand fans at Chepauk and billions watching on screens worldwide, hopes once again soared for MS Dhoni’s arrival. Though three balls seemed insufficient for Dhoni’s magic, anticipation remained high. The dream of witnessing a fairytale hat-trick of sixes lingered, but reality often diverged from fantasy.
Ravindra Jadeja was sent in at No.7, prolonging the wait for Dhoni’s appearance. As the match progressed, Dhoni’s opportunity to bat in the 17th edition of the IPL still eluded him. According to CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey, the chances of Dhoni being promoted up the order seemed slim. Hussey described the situation as a bit “crazy” having Dhoni bat at No.8. However, he noted that the Impact Player rule allowed them to field an extra batter whenever needed.
According to Mike Hussey, the directive from Stephen Fleming, the head coach, is to keep pushing the game forward by utilizing the impact players and having an extra batter and bowler in the team. This strategy has led to a lengthening of the batting order, with MS Dhoni now placed at No. 8, which seems unconventional. Despite this, Dhoni has been batting well in practice sessions.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra played a significant role in Chennai Super Kings’ victory, scoring an explosive 46 runs off just 20 balls in his debut IPL season. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also contributed with 46 runs as Chennai posted a formidable total of 206-6 at their home ground, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Chennai’s seam bowlers, including Mustafizur Rahman, Deepak Chahar, and Tushar Deshpande, played a crucial role in restricting the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, to 143-8. This comprehensive victory marked Chennai’s second consecutive win in the IPL, with Gujarat suffering their biggest loss in terms of runs.
