Adam Gilchrist criticises Dhoni for bringing Khaleel Ahmed back for 19th over vs RCB-OxBig News Network

Legendary Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist was unhappy with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni’s decision to bring back Khaleel Ahmed to bowl the 19^th over of the innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The left-arm seamer gave away 32 runs in his first two overs and later returned to bowl at the back end of the innings,

However, the decision ended up costing the team dearly as Romario Shepherd took on the left-arm seamer to smash him for 33 runs in the 19^th over. Courtesy of his expensive spell, RCB managed to get a strong finish to their innings, which helped them post a massive score of 213/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The over proved to be decisive in the context of the game, as CSK went on to lose the match by a mere two runs.

Gilchrist shared his views on Dhoni’s decision to go back to Khaleel and said that he could’ve gone with Ravindra Jadeja or Anshul Kamboj.

“Tactically, I don’t know if a huge difference could have been made. Given going back to Khaleel was risky at the back end because he had gone for somewhat 32 runs in the first two overs. Maybe he could have gone to Kamboj. Given where Noor finished, Jadeja with an extra over of spin is what he could have gone with. It’s such a mixed bag. They also bowled 45 dot balls,” Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.

Furthermore, Gilchrist questioned if Dhoni is still at his astute best on the verge of his retirement.

“MS…he is never animated or shows any visible signs that he is upset. I just wonder if the energy is still being generated for him internally. Whether the brain is still ticking for him as astutely as it always has, as he edges closer and closer to the end. Be it this year or next year, whatever it is. I don’t want to critique his leadership harshly because I feel he has been let down by some bad bowling,” Gilchrist added.

Following their loss against RCB, CSK continued to languish at the bottom of the points table with just two wins from 11 matches, having four points to their name. They will be eager to finish the edition on a high by winning their remaining three fixtures.