Title: Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been a topic of discussion in recent times due to his team’s dismal performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 campaign. Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has now added fuel to the fire by questioning Dhoni’s impact on the team’s fortunes.
In an interview, Aakash Chopra pointed out that most of Dhoni’s runs in recent seasons have come when the matches were already out of reach. He emphasized that Dhoni has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings, and has even batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period.
Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts, with some defending Dhoni’s role in the team and others questioning his ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly.
Dhoni’s batting average in the IPL has always been impressive, and his ability to finish matches has been a hallmark of his career. However, Chopra’s comments suggest that Dhoni’s contributions have been limited to situations where the match is already lost, and that he has not been able to make a significant impact when the game is still in the balance.
It is true that Dhoni has batted at lower positions more frequently in recent seasons, and that his runs have often come when the team is already struggling to chase a target or defend a total. This has raised questions about his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game and to play a more attacking role at the top of the order.
However, it is also important to note that Dhoni’s experience and guile have been invaluable to the CSK team, even if his batting average has not been as high as it was in his prime. His ability to read the game and make calculated decisions has been a key factor in the team’s success over the years, and his presence in the middle order has often helped to stabilize the innings.
Moreover, Dhoni’s leadership skills are still unparalleled in the IPL, and his ability to motivate his teammates and make strategic decisions has been a major factor in the team’s success. His experience and knowledge of the game have been invaluable in helping to guide the team through tough situations and in making key decisions during the match.
Despite Chopra’s comments, it is unlikely that Dhoni will be dropped from the CSK lineup anytime soon. His experience and leadership skills are still highly valued by the team, and his ability to make an impact in the game, even if it is not always at the top of the order, is still a major asset.
In conclusion, while Chopra’s comments may have raised some questions about Dhoni’s impact on the CSK team, it is clear that he still has a lot to offer as a player and as a leader. His experience and guile have been invaluable to the team, and his ability to make an impact in the game, even if it is not always at the top of the order, is still a major asset.
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