Title: Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign has come to an end, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni’s batting has once again been a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has opined that most of Dhoni’s runs have come when the matches were already out of reach. In a recent interview, Chopra stated that Dhoni has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons.
Dhoni, who has been a stalwart for CSK, has been criticized for his batting in recent times. Despite being one of the most successful captains in the history of the tournament, Dhoni’s batting has not been as impactful as it once was. Chopra’s statement has added fuel to the fire, with many fans questioning the impact of Dhoni’s batting on the team’s performance.
Chopra’s statistics also support his claim. According to him, Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This means that in almost half of the matches, Dhoni has come in to bat when the game was already beyond CSK’s reach. This raises questions about the role that Dhoni plays in CSK’s batting line-up and whether his batting is still effective in the current format.
It’s worth noting that Dhoni’s batting has always been about quick runs and taking the pressure off the top-order batsmen. However, in modern T20 cricket, the game has evolved to the point where teams are more aggressive and look to take the game away from the opposition early on. Dhoni’s batting style, which was once effective in taking the game away from the opposition, may not be as effective in today’s format.
Moreover, Dhoni’s batting has not been as consistent as it once was. In the recent season, Dhoni averaged just 15.50 with the bat, which is not exactly the kind of form that a captain would want to be in. His strike rate of 98.67 was also not up to his usual standards. These statistics suggest that Dhoni’s batting may not be as impactful as it once was, and that his runs may not be as crucial to CSK’s success as they once were.
However, it’s also worth noting that Dhoni’s leadership skills are still unmatched. He has a unique ability to read the game and make tactical decisions that can turn the tide of a match. His experience and presence in the dressing room are also invaluable to CSK. Despite his batting not being as strong as it once was, Dhoni’s leadership skills are still a major asset to the team.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s statement has raised some interesting questions about MS Dhoni’s batting in the IPL. While Dhoni’s batting may not be as effective in today’s format, his leadership skills are still unmatched. CSK will need to decide whether they want to continue with Dhoni as their captain and whether they can find a way to make his batting more effective in the current format.
