‘MS Dhoni using his presence to full effect, causing time to run out for Pathirana to bowl’: Former cricketers give their verdict

MS Dhoni’s tactics have added another layer of intrigue to IPL 2023, further cementing his status as one of the most astute minds in cricket.
Critics argue that Dhoni has been deliberately slowing down the game at crucial junctures, using his vast experience to manipulate the match’s tempo
One such incident came into view during the Qualifier 1 between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
Dhoni, seemingly put a pause to the game for about four minutes, to ensure that Matheesha Pathirana became eligible to bowl the 16th over. This was after officials informed the CSK skipper Pathirana was ineligible to bowl that over as he was out of the field for four minutes. Dhoni then chatted with the umpire, stopped the play for around four minutes instead giving over to other bowler and Pathirana thus became eligible to bowl again.
Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg also reacted to the incident and wrote: “Dhoni using his presence to full effect, luring the umpires into a 4 minute discussion causing time to run out for Pathirana to bowl after an extended break off the field. Umpires laughing over the incident rather than taking control of the situation is not good enough.”

Dhoni using his presence to full effect, luring the umpires into a 4 minute discussion causing time to run out for Pathirana to bowl after an extended break off the field. Umpires laughing over the incident rather than taking control of the situation is not good enough. #CSKvsGT
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) May 24, 2023
Reacting to the incident, Gavaskar on-air noted: “You accept the umpire’s decision. Even if the umpire gets it wrong sometimes in high-pressure situations.”