Shane Watson slams CSK’s batting order after 50-run loss to RCB, says sending Dhoni at No. 9 was a tactical blunder.
Mumbai, March 29: After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) slumped to a 50-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former CSK star Shane Watson voiced strong criticism over MS Dhoni’s late arrival to the crease, calling it a missed opportunity for the five-time champions.
Speaking on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Watson said the decision to send Dhoni at No. 9, below Ravichandran Ashwin, made little sense given the match situation.
“This is exactly what CSK fans come to see — 30 off 16 deliveries from Dhoni. But he should’ve batted ahead of Ashwin. He’s still batting beautifully, and if he had another 15 balls, the game could’ve looked very different,” Watson said.
Watson added that Dhoni’s reflexes behind the stumps prove he’s still in top shape both mentally and physically.
“He’s lightning-quick with the gloves. His game is sharp. If CSK had brought him in earlier, they would’ve had a stronger shot at winning. The fans loved his cameo, but it was too little too late.”
Tactical Missteps?
Watson also questioned several of CSK’s decisions, including the promotion of Rahul Tripathi to open alongside Rachin Ravindra while pushing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad down the order.
“Ruturaj looked under pressure. Giving himself room against Hazlewood was uncharacteristic. Deepak Hooda looked like he was just trying to survive. And Sam Curran at No. 5? I see him more as a No. 7.”
He warned that if CSK continues with their current batting combination, “they risk being exposed.”
Match Recap
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, CSK allowed RCB to post a commanding 196/7.
RCB openers Phil Salt (34 off 16) and Virat Kohli (31 off 30) gave a solid start, followed by explosive cameos from Devdutt Padikkal (27), Rajat Patidar (51) and *Tim David (22 off 8)**.
In reply, CSK never looked in control. They were rocked early by Josh Hazlewood (3/21), who removed Tripathi and Gaikwad in his first over. Rachin Ravindra tried to fight back with a gritty 41, but lacked support as CSK crawled to 146/8. Dhoni’s unbeaten 30 off 16 provided brief fireworks but couldn’t prevent defeat.
Rajat Patidar was named Player of the Match.