The recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Dharamsala, triggered debates regarding CSK's batting strategy, notably the late entry of MS Dhoni in the batting order.

While CSK management seems fine with the decision to send former CSK captain Dhoni in at number nine, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed disappointment with this tactical move. Speaking on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh suggested that if Dhoni is slated to bat so low in the order, CSK should consider playing an additional bowler instead.

"If MS Dhoni is coming to bat at number 9, then it's better to play a pure bowler. If you know you can't bat up the order, you should not play at all. He is the decision-maker and has let down his team by not coming out to bat" he said via star sports 

"Shardul Thakur came ahead of him. Thakur can never hit shots like Dhoni and I don’t understand why Dhoni made this mistake. Nothing happens without his permission and I am not ready to accept that this decision to demote him was taken by someone else"

"CSK were in a need of quick runs and Dhoni has done that in the previous games. It was shocking that he stayed back in the important contest against Punjab Kings. Even if CSK win today, I will still call out Dhoni. Let people say anything. I will say what is right" he also added 

However talking about the game between CSK v PBKS In the end, CSK defeated PBKS by 28 runs to record their sixth victory of this year's IPL (2024) and move up to third in the IPL 2024 standings. On Friday, May 10, they are set to take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).