Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has lashed out at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni over the selection of Ajinkya Rahane in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Sehwag criticized Dhoni for selecting Rahane, whom he had previously left out of the Indian team, saying that he was slow.
Rahane made his debut for CSK in the IPL 2023 in their third game against Mumbai Indians (MI). The batter played an outstanding knock of 61 runs in 27 balls, helping his side win their second game of the season. He batted with a strike rate of 225.93, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Also Read: IPL 2023 | RR vs CSK: Yashasvi Jaiswal Credits Domestic Cricket for His Good Start in IPL 2023 and Shares His Experience Batting with Jos Buttler
After the game, Dhoni was asked about Rahane’s selection, and he said that he spoke to the batter at the start of the season and told him to enjoy his game whenever he gets an opportunity. However, Sehwag questioned Dhoni’s decision, asking what he saw in Rahane now that he didn’t see when he played for India. Sehwag said that players need confidence, and he criticized Dhoni for leaving Rahane out of the Indian team.
“When he was the captain of the Indian team, he didn’t keep him in the one-day team, saying ‘he is slow. He can’t rotate strike.’ Now, suddenly, when he needed experience, he brought in Ajinkya Rahane,” Sehwag said.
CSK acquired the services of Rahane in the IPL 2023 auction for INR 50 lakhs. The batter didn’t get a chance to play in the first two games, but the unavailability of Moeen Ali for the MI game paved the way for him to play his first game of the IPL. Chennai Super Kings will next be seen in action when they lock horns against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, April 12th, at the Chepauk Stadium.