Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and current skipper of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been a stalwart in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led CSK to three IPL titles and has been an integral part of the team’s success. However, recently, his batting performances have raised questions about his impact on the team. Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has opined that most of Dhoni’s runs in recent seasons have come when the matches were already out of reach.
In an interview, Chopra stated that Dhoni has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. He added that Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This has led many to question the impact Dhoni has on the team’s batting lineup.
It’s true that Dhoni’s batting has not been his strongest suit in recent years. He has struggled to score big runs and has often been unable to finish games off for CSK. However, his experience and leadership skills have always been a major asset for the team. But, according to Chopra, Dhoni’s batting has become a liability for CSK.
“Dhoni’s batting has become a concern for CSK. He is not getting enough runs and is not able to finish games off. He has been batting at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. This is not ideal for a team that relies heavily on him for leadership and guidance,” Chopra said.
Chopra also pointed out that Dhoni’s batting has become more defensive in recent years. He is not taking the attack to the opposition and is instead getting out playing defensive shots. This has not only affected his own batting but also the team’s overall performance.
“Dhoni’s batting has become very defensive. He is not taking the attack to the opposition and is instead getting out playing defensive shots. This is not the kind of batting that is expected from a player of his caliber. He needs to change his approach and start taking the attack to the opposition,” Chopra added.
CSK’s dismal performance in the recent IPL seasons has also raised questions about Dhoni’s leadership. The team has failed to win the title in the last couple of seasons and has struggled to make the playoffs. Dhoni’s tactics and team selection have been criticized by many, and some have even called for him to step down as captain.
However, it’s worth noting that Dhoni is still one of the most experienced and successful captains in the IPL. He has a deep understanding of the game and is able to motivate his players. He has also been able to adapt to different situations and has a reputation for making the right decisions under pressure.
In conclusion, while Dhoni’s batting has been a concern for CSK, it’s not the only factor that has contributed to the team’s poor performance. The team’s inability to win the title in the last couple of seasons is a major concern, and Dhoni’s leadership will be under the microscope in the coming seasons. However, it’s also important to remember that Dhoni is still a highly respected and successful captain, and CSK will need to rely on him to lead the team to success.
