New Delhi, Before the start of IPL 2024, Mahendra Singh Dhoni had expressed his intentions by hitting long sixes in the nets. But, even after two matches were played this season, he did not get a chance to bat and Chennai won both the matches. One reason for this is that Dhoni is batting at number 8 this season. Why is this so, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey explained the reason.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey said that the ‘Impact Player’ rule has lengthened the team’s batting order, due to which former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is batting at number 8 in this IPL. The impact player rule has been introduced from IPL 2023 itself. Under this, every team has to name five substitute players at the time of toss, one of whom can come out to bat or bowl during the match.
Chennai Super Kings scored 206 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs in the match against Gujarat Titans. However, due to 7 batsmen coming to bat, Dhoni’s number is not coming. Because of this, sometimes fans also become impatient. But, Hussey told that this strategy is of coach Stephen Fleming. He wants the batsman to play big shots from the first ball and because of the impact player, there has been depth in the batting order and batsmen like Dhoni also have to wait. The good thing is that he is batting brilliantly in the nets.
