Virender Sehwag slams suggestions that MS Dhoni could’ve changed CSK’s fate against KKR, calling their 103-run collapse “beyond repair.”
Chennai, April 12 — Former India opener Virender Sehwag pulled no punches in his post-match analysis of Chennai Super Kings’ crushing defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, questioning the narrative that MS Dhoni’s presence could have changed the outcome.
Appearing on the post-match broadcast, Sehwag was asked by anchor Jatin Sapru whether Dhoni remaining unbeaten could have salvaged CSK’s innings. The former cricketer responded with a blunt reality check.
Also Read: MS Dhoni’s Return as CSK Captain Ends in Embarrassment After KKR Crush Chennai at Chepauk
“I don’t think so. At best, they would’ve reached 130. KKR still chased 104 in 10.5 overs. The only difference would’ve been us going live at 11:30 PM instead,” Sehwag remarked with trademark sarcasm.
The comments came after CSK posted their lowest-ever total at Chepauk – 103/9, a score that KKR hunted down with ease in just 10.1 overs, thanks to Sunil Narine’s all-round brilliance.
Also Read: CSK Crumble to Lowest-Ever Home Total as Sunil Narine Wreaks Havoc at Chepauk
Dhoni’s Disappointing Return
Making a surprise return as captain in place of the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni walked in at No. 9 and managed just 1 run off 4 balls before falling LBW to Narine. The decision to send Dhoni so low in the order has drawn criticism, especially as the middle order collapsed under pressure.
Despite Dhoni’s return, CSK looked out of sync, with a poor powerplay score of 31/3 and regular wickets derailing their innings. Shivam Dube (31)* and Vijay Shankar (29) were the only players who offered some resistance, as KKR’s spin attack — led by Narine (3/13) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18) — tore through the lineup.
KKR Cruise, CSK Crumble
Narine added insult to injury by smashing 44 off 18 balls in the chase, while Rinku Singh finished the game with a towering six off Jadeja. It was CSK’s fifth straight loss, and notably, their first time losing three consecutive matches at Chepauk in IPL history.
Points Table Impact
- CSK remains stuck at 9th place, with just one win from six matches.
- KKR rises to 3rd, thanks to a massive boost in net run rate and three wins in six.
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