MS Dhoni’slikely IPL swansong in Ahmedabad will not happen as the CSK skipper could be banned for intentionally wasting time with umpires during Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023 against GT. Dhoni, who has been fined once for code of conduct breach due to a slow rate, can now not play the IPL final at Narendra Modi Stadium on May 28. During the GT’s final few overs of the run chase, the CSK skipper was seen having an argument with umpires, which caused a four-minute delay.
The incident occurred during the 16th over of the innings when Matheesha Pathirana was not allowed to bowl his second over. The Lankan pacer had taken a nine-minute break and was off the field. When he returned to bowl, umpires stopped and had a word with Dhoni regarding Pathirana not completing the stipulated time on the field after the break.
Dhoni had a five-minute argument which did not impress the broadcasters Sunil Gavaskar and Simon Doull. ‘That 5-minute argument with the umpires, he has was unnecessary. All he did was stall and stall the game instead of letting another bowler bowl. He might come to regret that at the end of the match,’ Simon Doull said on air.
While it is not clear if umpires will take action against Dhoni for causing unnecessary delay. If the officials find him guilty, then the CSK skipper could be fined or banned.
Speaking about the GT vs CSK Clash, Dhoni & Co beat the Titans by 15 runs to reach the final of the IPL 2023 season. This will be the 10th final appearance for CSK. Dhoni has led in all nine matches previously, winning four and losing five. CSK will have a four-day break before the grand final on May 28.