Title: Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and the current skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been a stalwart for the franchise, known for his incredible batting skills and leadership acumen. However, in recent times, there have been murmurs of discontent among fans and experts alike regarding Dhoni’s batting performances, particularly his tendency to bat low down the order. Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has also added his voice to the chorus, questioning the impact of Dhoni’s batting in CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign.
In a recent interview, Chopra pointed out that most of Dhoni’s runs came when the matches were already out of reach. “Over the last couple of seasons, Dhoni has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings…He has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period,” he added.
Chopra’s remarks have sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts, with some defending Dhoni’s batting and others questioning his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s batting lineup. While it is undeniable that Dhoni has been a phenomenal player throughout his career, his recent performances have been underwhelming, especially considering his batting position.
Dhoni’s batting average has been steadily declining over the past few seasons, and his strike rate has also taken a hit. In IPL 2025, he has managed to score just 120 runs from 10 innings, with a highest score of 35. His batting average has dropped to a lowly 10.00, and his strike rate has plummeted to 87.50.
While it is true that Dhoni’s batting has been affected by his advancing age, it is also important to note that he has consistently batted low down the order, which has limited his opportunities to make a significant impact. Chopra’s statistics highlighting Dhoni’s batting position only serve to emphasize this point.
However, it is also important to consider the context in which Dhoni has been batting. In most cases, CSK has been struggling to post defendable totals, and Dhoni has been forced to bat late in the innings. This has led to a situation where he is often required to play a supporting role, rather than being the anchor of the batting lineup.
Despite his diminished batting abilities, Dhoni’s presence at the crease has still had a significant impact on the game. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking has helped CSK to post more competitive totals, even when the team has been struggling. Moreover, his experience and leadership skills have also played a vital role in motivating the younger players and guiding the team to victory.
In conclusion, while Aakash Chopra’s remarks have sparked a debate regarding Dhoni’s batting, it is essential to consider the context in which he has been batting. While his batting average and strike rate may not be as impressive as they once were, his experience and leadership skills continue to be invaluable to the team. As CSK looks to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of IPL 2025, Dhoni’s role will be crucial in helping the team to post competitive totals and push for a playoff spot.
