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) for over a decade. However, his recent performance in the tournament has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his impact on the team. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has now weighed in on the topic, suggesting that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach.
In a recent interview, Chopra pointed out that Dhoni has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. He added that the legendary batter has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This has led many to question the effectiveness of Dhoni’s batting in the current IPL season, where CSK is struggling to make an impact.
Dhoni’s batting average in the current season is a paltry 24.50, which is significantly lower than his overall IPL average of 40.55. His strike rate of 101.65 is also lower than his overall IPL strike rate of 132.69. These numbers suggest that Dhoni is struggling to make an impact with the bat, especially in situations where the game is still in the balance.
Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about Dhoni’s role in the CSK team. While some fans have defended Dhoni, pointing out that he has still managed to score some crucial runs in key situations, others have questioned whether he is still the right player to lead the team.
One of the main concerns is that Dhoni’s batting style is no longer suited to the modern game. His slow pace and lack of aggression have made him vulnerable to quick bowlers and spinners, who are able to exploit his weaknesses with ease. In an era where teams are looking for players who can score quickly and aggressively, Dhoni’s style of batting seems outdated.
Another concern is that Dhoni’s presence in the team is affecting the development of younger players. With Dhoni still occupying a spot in the top seven, younger players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and N Jagadeesan are finding it difficult to get a regular game. This has led to complaints from fans that Dhoni is holding back the team’s progress and preventing younger players from getting a chance to shine.
However, it’s worth noting that Dhoni’s leadership skills and experience are still invaluable to the CSK team. He has a deep understanding of the game and is able to motivate his teammates to perform better. His ability to read the game and make strategic decisions is still unmatched, and he remains one of the most respected captains in the IPL.
In conclusion, while Aakash Chopra’s comments about Dhoni’s batting may have sparked a debate, they also highlight the concerns that many fans have about his impact on the CSK team. While Dhoni’s experience and leadership skills are still valuable assets, his batting style may no longer be suited to the modern game. It remains to be seen whether CSK will be able to find a way to get the best out of Dhoni and their younger players, or whether they will need to consider a change in their batting lineup.
