Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Dhoni has been heavily criticized for losing cool and confronting the on-field umpire during the IPL match against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. However, the 37-year-old wicket keeper was let-off with a 50% fine on his match fee and escaped ban.
The incident took place in the nerve cracking last over nerve when the visitors needed 18 runs to secure a win in Jaipur. Ravindra Jadeja hit a six off Ben Stokes in the first ball but Dhoni was dismissed in the third ball of the over.
When Stokes delivered the fourth ball of the over to the new batsman Mitchell Santner, on-field umpire Ulhas Gandhe signaled a no-ball for a waist-high full toss. But the decision was reversed after square leg umpire Bruce Oxenford hinted it was a no-ball.
Amid the confusion, Dhoni barged onto the pitch and confronted the umpire. After the chaos on the filed the revised decision stayed.
Dhoni has admitted to the Level 2 offense 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction.
Despite all the drama, the defending champions snatched the victory by four wickets. Ambati Rayudu and Dhoni hit half centuries each. Santner smashed the last ball for a six to help Super Kings script an incredible win against Rajasthan Royals.
The Yelloves play Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday at Eden Gardens.
