Third umpire Nigel Llong adjudged CSK skipper MS Dhoni run out in what can be termed as a very close call. (Source: IPL)The final clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on Sunday night took a decisive turn after third umpire Nigel Llong adjudged CSK skipper MS Dhoni run out in a very close call that has divided opinions.
Despite chasing a moderate total of 150, CSK found themselves on the backfoot after losing both Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu cheaply. Dhoni came to the crease at a crucial point as CSK were staggering at 73/3 in 10.3 overs, and required 77 to win the contest in 57 deliveries.
However, the captain who was in fine touch throughout the season failed to take his team home as he fell short off his crease in the fourth ball of the 13th over bowled by Hardik Pandya.
After nudging the ball towards the leg side, Watson completed a quick single, but the CSK skipper—who’s well known for snatching opportunities for stealing extra runs—looked for another one after the throw to the bowler’s end went deep into the field.
However, Dhoni who was running towards the danger end this time ran out of luck, as Ishan Kishan quickly picked the ball and knocked down the stumps with a direct hit. The CSK skipper seemed to have failed to make his ground despite dragging his bat.
The decision was referred to the third umpire who took his time and analyzed the situation from various angles, creating confusion as to whether a small part of Dhoni’s bat was over the crease or not. Eventually, the decision was given in the favour of the bowling side and the wicketkeeper-batsman returned to the pavilion on 2, leaving CSK at 82/4 in 12.4 overs.
Speaking after the match, coach Stephen Fleming admitted it was a big moment for the team since it provided a boost for the Mumbai Indians.
” It was a big moment. Took a long time to give the decision. Always a big moment when MS goes. He was really consistent this year. It’s also the calmness with which he operates that’s different from the other players.
“Dhoni’s dismissal was the boost that Mumbai Indians needed at that point of time.”So his dismissal does two things. Our job stops down a bit and it lifts the opposition. So yes it was a big moment,” Fleming said.
However, after Dhoni’s dismissal, Shane Watson kept CSK’s hopes alive but couldn’t find support from the other end. The Australian batsman was run out in the final over on 80 as CSK lost the nail-biting contest by a narrow margin of 1 run.
