Title: Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a disappointing campaign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with the team struggling to find their footing. Amidst this, former India batter Aakash Chopra has raised some interesting questions about the impact of their captain, MS Dhoni, on the team’s performance. According to Chopra, most of Dhoni’s runs in the tournament have come when the matches were already out of reach.
In a recent 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 the former India captain has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This has led Chopra to question the impact of Dhoni on CSK’s dismal campaign.
It’s worth noting that Dhoni’s batting average in the IPL has been steadily declining over the years. In the 2025 season, he has scored only 125 runs at an average of 12.50. While this is not an exceptional performance by any means, it’s clear that Dhoni is no longer the dominant force he once was in the IPL.
However, Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of Dhoni in CSK’s team. While some have defended Dhoni’s performance, pointing out that he is still a experienced and effective player, others have questioned his ability to inspire the team and make tactical decisions.
One of the main concerns is that Dhoni’s batting has become more of a luxury than a necessity. With the team struggling to get off to good starts, Dhoni’s arrival at the crease often feels like an afterthought. This has led to criticism that he is not doing enough to push the team forward, and that his presence is more of a hindrance than a help.
Chopra’s comments have also raised questions about the team’s strategy and planning. If Dhoni is not able to contribute significantly with the bat, then it’s unclear what his role is in the team. Some have suggested that he should be used more as a finisher, coming in to score quickly in the final overs. However, with the team’s batting struggling, it’s unclear whether this approach would be effective.
Despite these concerns, CSK’s fans remain loyal to their captain. Dhoni has been an integral part of the team’s success in the past, and many believe that he still has a role to play. However, it’s clear that his performance in the 2025 season has been disappointing, and that the team needs to find a way to get more out of him.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s comments have raised some interesting questions about MS Dhoni’s impact on CSK’s performance in the IPL. While Dhoni is still a respected player, his declining batting average and inconsistent performances have led to concerns about his role in the team. As CSK looks to turn their season around, it’s unclear what the future holds for their captain.
