Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and current captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been a stalwart in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade. However, his recent performance has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his impact on the team’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that most of Dhoni’s runs have come when the matches were 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. This has led many to question the effectiveness of Dhoni’s batting and his ability to turn the tide of a match.
Dhoni’s recent performances have been underwhelming, to say the least. In IPL 2025, he has scored a total of 157 runs in 12 matches, with a strike rate of just 83.15. While he has been successful in the past, his current form has raised concerns about his ability to contribute to the team’s success.
One of the main criticisms of Dhoni’s batting has been his tendency to play too defensively. He has often been accused of playing too many dot balls, which has allowed the opposition to gain a foothold and take control of the match. Chopra’s comments suggest that Dhoni’s defensive approach has been detrimental to the team’s chances of winning.
However, it’s worth noting that Dhoni’s role in the team has changed over the years. As he has aged, he has become more of a mentor and a finisher, rather than a aggressive batsman. He has often been used to stabilize the innings and take the team through to the end, rather than taking the game away from the opposition.
Despite this, Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about Dhoni’s impact on the team. Some have argued that Dhoni’s presence in the team has been a hindrance to the younger players, who have struggled to make a mark with him at the crease. Others have defended Dhoni, saying that he still has a lot to offer and that his experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to the team.
It’s clear that Dhoni’s future in the team is uncertain, and his performances will be closely watched in the coming matches. While he has been an integral part of CSK’s success in the past, his recent form has raised questions about his ability to contribute to the team’s success in the future.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s comments about Dhoni’s batting have sparked a debate about his impact on the team. While Dhoni has been an excellent captain and batsman in the past, his recent performances have raised concerns about his ability to turn the tide of a match. His defensive approach has been criticized, and his role in the team has changed over the years. Ultimately, Dhoni’s future in the team will depend on his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances and contribute to the team’s success.
