MUMBAI: The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on 22nd March at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with fans eagerly anticipating another thrilling edition of cricket's most celebrated T20 league.
This year, the IPL has shattered viewership records, captivating audiences with its high-octane action and nail-biting finishes.
However, the tournament has not been without its share of controversy. Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Manoj Tiwary has stirred the pot by taking a swipe at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coaching staff, accusing them of lacking the courage to be honest with the legendary MS Dhoni.
Tiwary's remarks came in the aftermath of CSK's surprising 50-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
This marked CSK's first home loss to the Bengaluru-based franchise since the inaugural season in 2008.
In a candid discussion on Cricbuzz, Tiwary expressed his bewilderment over Dhoni's batting position. Despite having the ability to score an unbeaten 30 off just 16 deliveries, the 43-year-old skipper was once again sent in to bat at number nine, with only 28 balls remaining in the innings.
While Dhoni showcased his prowess by smashing a four and two sixes off Krunal Pandya in the final over, it was too little, too late.
"It is beyond my comprehension why a batter of Dhoni's calibre, capable of such explosive finishes, is held back until the end," Tiwary remarked. "If you're playing to win, why not move him up the order? The coaching staff simply do not have the guts to be frank with Dhoni. Once he makes a decision, it is final."
Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who joined the same discussion, shared his perspective on the matter.
According to Sehwag, the outcome of the match was unlikely to have changed, regardless of when Dhoni came to the crease.
"This is something Dhoni and his team have agreed upon – that he will only face a certain number of balls. He typically comes in during the 17th or 18th over, and this match was no different. Given how RCB were playing, I doubt an earlier entry would have altered the result," Sehwag commented.
Despite the disappointing defeat, Dhoni managed to script history at Chepauk, becoming the highest run-scorer for CSK in IPL history.
Surpassing Suresh Raina's tally of 4,687 runs, Dhoni now boasts 4,699 runs in 204 innings, further cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the tournament's history.
As the debate over Dhoni's batting position continues to divide opinions, one thing remains certain – the 18th edition of the IPL is as compelling and unpredictable as ever.
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CREDIT : INDIA TODAY
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