IPL 2019 | MS Dhoni should have been banned for two matches, says Virender Sehwag

When Chennai Super Kings were in a very good position, there was a contentious no-ball call by the business end umpire that the leg-umpire subsequently changed. Dhoni seemed very irritated by that and barged onto the field of play to have an argument with the umpires. Although he eventually returned with the ball standing legal, Dhoni was docked 50% of his match fees for the Code of Conduct breach, which seems very tiny as compared to the offence.

After a number of former cricketers found it offensive and criticised MS Dhoni’s behaviour, Dhoni’s former teammate Virender Sehwag also viewed it critically and stated that at least one-match or two-match ban could teach him a lesson.

"Had he been so angry for the Indian team, I would have been happy. Maybe he is that stage where he will retire in a year but we have never seen Dhoni getting angry for the Indian team. Maybe he has become too emotional for Chennai Super Kings, I don't think he should have gone to the ground,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz. 

“The two batsmen at the pitch were asking the umpires what happened with that no-ball signal. I think MS Dhoni got away lightly. They could have banned him for one or two matches. Now if this has happened, tomorrow some other captain might also storm onto the field and question the umpires.

“Then what will be the importance of an umpire? I think he got away lightly. They should have banned him for one or two matches and the match referee should have set an example," Sehwag asked.

Defending the umpire’s decision, the former Indian opener stated that they are also human and mistakes are a part and parcel of their job. Sehwag, who has always spoken highly of Dhoni, added that the CSK skipper could well have a discussion with the fourth umpire, but by barging onto the field, he devalued the umpire.

"If any player or captain storms onto the field like that, what's the value of an umpire. Mistakes can happen. It's not like MS Dhoni has never made any mistakes but no one questioned him. Umpires never went to Dhoni and asked him why he made a mistake.

"Umpires can also make mistakes. They are also human. Had he stayed out of the field and spoken to the fourth umpire or communicated through a walkie-talkie, that would have been better. It would not have looked so bad. It looked so bad because he went onto the field," Sehwag said.