IPL 2019: Virender Sehwag says Dhoni should have been banned for his outburst against umpire

MS Dhoni entering the field of play to argue with the on-field umpires about the reversal of a decision has sparked a huge debate amongst cricket experts on whether captains of a T20 franchise should influence the decisions of umpires like this and whether it is okay for them to dispute the decisions in such a way.

Dhoni was fined 50% of his match fees for his antics on the field during the RR v CSK match, as he questioned the decision of umpire Ulhas Gandhe to reverse his no-ball call after discussion with leg umpire Bruce Oxenford. Many experts found Dhoni’s actions in pure taste and though others have defended him, former India captain Virender Sehwag has come down harshly on Dhoni.

Dhoni should have been banned, not fined, says Sehwag

Speaking in a post-match show for Cricbuzz, Sehwag said that Dhoni was let off easily for his actions in the match. “I don’t think he should have come on to the ground. There were two batsmen who were inquiring with the umpires about the no-ball. I think he was let off easily. He should have been banned for a game or two since this sets a bad precedent for other captains to interfere in the match and question the decisions of umpires. This will lessen the value of umpire,” Sehwag was quoted as saying in the video.

“If he had done this for the Indian team, I had been happy. maybe he is at the point of his career that he might retire after a year, but we never saw him get angry for the sake of Indian team. He has gotten more emotional for Chennai,” Sehwag made a cheeky comment on Dhoni.

“I think he was let off easily. The match referee should have set an example by banning him for a match or two. The referee should have told him that umpires on the ground are the highest authority and they control the game and no captain should influence their decisions,” Sehwag was seen saying in the post-match discussion.

When asked what Dhoni could have done to avoid the situation, Sehwag replied, “Mistakes happen, but such instances of captain questioning the on-filed umpires by interfering in the match devalues the umpires. Umpires have never questioned MS Dhoni on the mistakes he has made. He should have talked to the forth umpire or used the walkie talkie to talk to on-field officials.”

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