Renowned for his sharp cricketing acumen, former Indian captain MS Dhoni has often outwitted opponents with his clever field placements and leadership. Recently, a story from two years ago came to light when KKR’s 24-crore batsman Venkatesh Iyer revealed how he fell prey to one of Dhoni’s ingenious strategies during an IPL match in 2023 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni’s decision to place a fielder at an unconventional position left Venkatesh with no choice but to play a shot that ultimately led to his dismissal.

Venkatesh recounted the incident in a recent interview, explaining how Dhoni shifted a fielder from deep square leg to short third man, albeit slightly deeper than usual. This unexpected change prompted Venkatesh to attempt a shot off the very next ball, resulting in a catch straight to the repositioned fielder. When asked about it after the match, Dhoni explained that he had anticipated both the power and angle of Venkatesh’s shots, predicting exactly where the ball would go. His ability to read a batter’s mind is what sets him apart as a leader, proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest captains in cricket history.

Reflecting on the moment, Venkatesh admitted that while he could have waited for a couple more deliveries, Dhoni’s strategic brilliance forced him into making a rash decision. Camera footage later confirmed that the field adjustment happened just before the delivery, showcasing Dhoni’s quick thinking. “That’s the genius of Dhoni,” Venkatesh said, acknowledging the masterstroke that trapped him despite his awareness of Dhoni’s tactical prowess.