Matthew Hayden criticized Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy decisions following CSK’s loss to SRH, particularly emphasizing the missed opportunity of batting Moeen Ali higher in the order.
Following MS Dhoni’s departure as captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad assumed leadership for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. Despite initial victories against RCB and GT, CSK suffered consecutive defeats to DC and SRH.
Matthew Hayden, expressing concerns over Gaikwad’s decisions, highlighted the missed opportunity of utilizing Moeen Ali higher in the batting order and questioned the timing of deploying Maheesh Theekshana against Travis Head.
“There were a couple of decisions which weren’t quite sharp. When you think of Moeen Ali as an all-rounder, he ended up contributing nicely with the ball, but he should have been batted up the order. He should have been given a license,” Hayden said to Star Sports.
“With the ball, I think they probably could have bowled Theekshana straight away to Travis Head. It’s a great match-up. Don’t wait until the fourth over. He went for plenty of that second over. So for me, Theekshana straight up front against Travis Head could have been a better move,” he added.
Hayden further emphasized the need for Ruturaj Gaikwad to make quicker decisions, suggesting that the shadow of MS Dhoni’s legacy might add pressure.
“So some sharp action was needed, and I think it can never be easy with a cloud of MS Dhoni around you, and I’m not saying that’s because of MS Dhoni. But it is what it is. He is Thala. So Ruturaj Gaikwad might be having that sort of pressure inside him, and maybe his reaction and decision-making process need to be just a little quicker and a little sharper,” Hayden said.
Earlier, former cricketer Irfan Pathan had also suggested Dhoni could’ve batted higher to exploit favorable match-ups against certain bowlers. Pathan highlighted the advantage of right-handers against specific bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat, suggesting it could have made a difference in the outcome of the match.
Last Updated on April 6, 2024
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