Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and current captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been under scrutiny in recent times for his performance with the bat. With CSK struggling in the ongoing IPL 2025 campaign, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has raised questions about the impact Dhoni’s batting has had on the team’s fortunes.
In an interview, Chopra pointed out that most of Dhoni’s runs have come 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,” Chopra said.
Chopra’s observations are based on Dhoni’s recent batting performances in the IPL. The veteran wicket-keeper batsman has been getting less and less opportunities to bat higher up the order, and when he has, it has often been in a situation where the match is already beyond CSK’s reach.
This trend is not new to Dhoni’s career. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability to score crucial runs under pressure, but often when the match is already in the bag for his team. Chopra’s point is that Dhoni’s batting has not been instrumental in turning the tide of the matches in CSK’s favor.
Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of Dhoni in CSK’s batting lineup. While some fans have defended Dhoni’s batting, citing his ability to remain calm under pressure and score runs when it matters most, others have argued that his lack of big-hitting ability and propensity to get out to slower bowlers have held the team back.
Dhoni’s batting average in the IPL has been steadily declining over the years, and his strike rate has also taken a hit. In the ongoing IPL 2025 campaign, Dhoni has scored just 145 runs at an average of 14.50 and a strike rate of 96.67.
Despite his declining batting form, Dhoni remains a crucial figure in CSK’s team. His experience and leadership qualities are still highly valued by the team, and his presence on the field is often credited with lifting the team’s morale and intensity.
However, Chopra’s comments have raised questions about whether Dhoni’s batting is still a key factor in CSK’s success. If the team is struggling to win matches, it is natural to wonder whether Dhoni’s batting is doing enough to help the team win.
In the past, Dhoni’s batting has been instrumental in CSK’s success. He has a reputation for scoring crucial runs under pressure, and his ability to remain calm and composed has often helped the team snatch victories from the jaws of defeat.
However, in recent times, Dhoni’s batting has been more about scoring runs in a losing cause than changing the course of the match. Chopra’s comments suggest that Dhoni’s batting has not been having the desired impact on the team’s fortunes, and that CSK may need to look elsewhere for inspiration with the bat.
Ultimately, the role of Dhoni in CSK’s batting lineup is a complex one. While he remains a highly respected figure in the team, his batting form has been a cause for concern in recent times. Chopra’s comments have raised questions about whether Dhoni’s batting is still a key factor in CSK’s success, and whether the team needs to look elsewhere for inspiration with the bat.
