Dhoni’s decision to send Dube at No.6 leaves everyone surprised in IPL 2023 opener

In the first match of IPL 2023, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were taking on Gujarat Titans. With CSK batting first and scoring 121 for 3, everyone was expecting them to post a big total. But what happened next baffled many cricket experts and fans. Captain MS Dhoni sent Shivam Dube at No.6 instead of Ravindra Jadeja or himself, which raised several eyebrows.

The Move That Shocked Everyone

Ruturaj Gaikwad was still on the crease, and CSK had a strong batting lineup, so sending someone inexperienced like Dube was a difficult decision to understand. Many cricket legends, including Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan, and Graeme Swann, were in the commentary box, and they were all surprised by this move.

Dube’s Failure Cost CSK

The move didn’t turn out to be successful as Dube struggled to get going and wasted too many deliveries. He failed to cope with the pace and bounce of Alzarri Joseph, which resulted in a lot of pressure on a well-set Gaikwad. CSK scored only 30 runs in the next 4.2 overs, and Gaikwad had to take chances, resulting in his dismissal on 92.

Jadeja’s Short-lived Stay

Ravindra Jadeja came in after Dube, but he only lasted two balls and got dismissed in the same over by Joseph in search of quick runs. CSK lost all the momentum they had gained in the early stages of the innings. Dube did hit a six in Mohammed Shami’s next over, but he eventually got out playing a laborious 19 off 18 balls.

Dhoni’s Decision Criticized

Dhoni hit Little for a six in the last over, taking CSK to a total of 178 for 7. However, everyone knew that they were short of a par total. Dhoni’s decision to send Dube at No.6 was criticized by several experts and former players, including Swann, who said that CSK got their middle-order wrong and it cost them the match. He also suggested that Dhoni should have come in place of Dube.

The Aftermath

In the end, GT chased down CSK’s target with five wickets in hand thanks to a brilliant innings of 63 off 36 balls from Shubamn Gill, well-supported by Wriddhiman Saha and Vijay Shankar. After the match, Dhoni defended his decision and said that he felt comfortable with the bowlers overall and that he wanted youngsters like Dube to step up.

Conclusion

Dhoni’s decision to send Dube at No.6 left many surprised, and it proved to be a costly one for CSK. In T20 cricket, every run and every ball counts, and it’s essential to make the right decisions at the right time. Hopefully, CSK will learn from this and come back stronger in their next match.