MS Dhoni is a seasoned player in the Indian Premier League. The veteran has been a key figure in the IPL since 2008, demonstrating remarkable consistency. In the IPL 2024 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, he scored an unbeaten 28 runs off 9 balls, contributing to the team’s total of 176/6 in 20 overs. He achieved this by hitting three fours and two sixes, with a strike rate of over 300.
Dhoni was not finished, as he was seen encouraging the bowlers and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to complete the overs promptly to avoid any slow over-rate offence. From the outset of the LSG innings, Dhoni was in communication with Gaikwad regarding over-rate. He signalled to the bowlers on several occasions to accelerate their pace.
Dhoni also observed Rahul's deliberate act of putting Ruturaj in a disadvantageous position. The opposing captain was taking a considerable amount of time to prepare for each ball, and after informing his skipper, Gaikwad also informed the umpires.
The new leader of the five-time champions also approached Rahul to urge him to get ready and stop wasting time. For the record, Rahul was responsible for the slow over-rate offence during CSK’s batting.
His franchise was found to have fielded one player short and was required to place four fielders outside the thirty-yard circle instead of five. KL will also be fined INR 12 lakh. The fine will increase to INR 24 lakh if the offence is repeated for a second time. The captain will be banned for one match in the third instance.
Rishabh Pant, who is currently leading Delhi Capitals in the 17th season, has been penalised twice and may be banned soon. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans), Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders), and other players have also been found guilty once.