Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and the current captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been a stalwart of the Indian cricket team and the IPL. However, with CSK’s dismal performance in the recent IPL 2025 campaign, many have started questioning his impact on the team. One such voice is former India batter Aakash Chopra, who opined that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach.
In an 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 Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. Chopra questioned the impact of Dhoni’s batting, stating that most of his runs come when the matches are already out of reach.
Dhoni’s batting average in the lower middle order is indeed impressive, with an average of over 30. However, it is worth noting that his batting average in the top order is significantly lower, at around 20. This raises questions about his ability to stabilize the innings and set a platform for the rest of the batsmen.
Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate in the cricketing community, with many fans and experts weighing in on the issue. Some have argued that Dhoni’s experience and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to the team, even if his batting average is not as high as it once was. Others have pointed out that Dhoni’s batting has been inconsistent, and that he often gets out to poor shots.
It is also worth noting that Dhoni’s batting has been affected by the team’s overall performance. CSK has struggled to win matches, and Dhoni has often been left to bat with a depleted lineup. In such situations, his batting average may not be as high, but he is still able to contribute to the team’s total.
Despite the criticism, Dhoni remains a popular figure in Indian cricket, and his experience and leadership qualities are still highly valued. However, the debate around his batting average and impact on the team will continue to rage on.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about MS Dhoni’s impact on CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign. While Dhoni’s batting average in the lower middle order is impressive, his ability to stabilize the innings and set a platform for the rest of the batsmen is still a subject of debate. As the cricketing community continues to weigh in on the issue, one thing is clear – Dhoni remains an iconic figure in Indian cricket, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.
