In a recent IPL 204 game against Delhi Capitals, MS Dhoni demonstrated his ability to hit the ball a great distance, showcasing his hitting zone. Despite CSK losing the game, the former captain managed to score 37 runs off just 16 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. However, he has a tendency to hold back even when the team requires quick runs.
In the most recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he only faced two balls and scored one run after coming out to bat in the last over of CSK's innings. Former Indian players were displeased with the decision. While they did not directly criticize him, they questioned his choice.
Earlier in the day, Ambati Rayudu stated that Dhoni could promote himself in the batting order without needing permission from the current captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, this did not occur, despite the batters' difficulty in hitting boundaries.
Dhoni chose to remain in the dressing room, causing a delay for the visiting franchise. Former players Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Rayudu, and Kris Srikkanth commented on Dhoni's decision:
“Dhoni should have come out to bat before Daryl Mitchell. The New Zealand batter is playing his first IPL season, and he doesn’t know how to keep the scoreboard ticking. Dhoni has enough experience of such conditions as they play on the same tracks in Chennai. Dhoni could have easily hit fours and sixes had he come early.”