Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, has been a stalwart of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade. However, his recent performances have raised questions about his impact on the team’s performances. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has added fuel to the fire by stating that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach.
In a recent interview, Chopra opined that Dhoni’s batting position has been a concern for CSK in the recent seasons. “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,” he added.
This statement has sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts, with many questioning the effectiveness of Dhoni’s batting in the lower middle order. While Dhoni has always been known for his ability to finish matches, Chopra’s comments suggest that he is not contributing to the team’s overall performance as much as he used to.
One of the primary reasons for Chopra’s criticism is the fact that Dhoni’s batting position has changed significantly over the years. In the early days of his IPL career, Dhoni used to bat at number five or six, which allowed him to play a more significant role in the team’s innings. However, in recent seasons, he has been relegated to the lower middle order, where he has struggled to make an impact.
Chopra’s statistics back up his claims, as Dhoni has indeed batted at positions seven or lower in most of the IPL matches he has played in recent seasons. This has led to a reduction in his overall batting average, which has dropped significantly in the last couple of years.
Another factor that has contributed to Dhoni’s decline as a batsman is his age. At 40, Dhoni is no longer the dynamic player he once was, and his lack of pace and agility has made it difficult for him to score runs at a rapid clip. This has led to a change in his batting approach, as he has become more cautious and defensive in his batting.
However, it is worth noting that Dhoni is still an experienced player, and his presence in the CSK lineup can still have a positive impact on the team’s performance. His ability to finish matches and his presence in the dressing room are still valuable assets to the team.
Despite Chopra’s criticism, Dhoni remains one of the most successful captains in IPL history. His ability to inspire his teammates and make tactical decisions during the match has been instrumental in CSK’s success. However, his batting performance has been a concern for the team, and his recent statistics do not make for pleasant reading.
In conclusion, while Dhoni’s batting performance has been a concern for CSK in recent seasons, his experience and leadership qualities are still valuable assets to the team. However, the team will need to find a way to get their captain scoring runs in the middle order if they are to make a deep run in the tournament.
