Title: 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 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade. He has been a key player for CSK, leading the team to three IPL titles and playing a crucial role in the team’s success. However, in recent seasons, Dhoni’s form has been a subject of criticism, with many questioning his impact on the team’s performance.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has added fuel to the fire by stating that most of Dhoni’s runs have come when the matches were already out of reach. Chopra, who has been a vocal critic of Dhoni’s batting in recent times, pointed out that the CSK captain has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons.
“He has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period,” Chopra added, indicating that Dhoni has only come to bat when the team has already been in a precarious position.
Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with many fans and experts weighing in on the matter. Some have defended Dhoni, arguing that he still has the ability to come up with crucial knocks in big games. Others have criticized his batting, pointing out that he has become predictable and has failed to adapt to the changing dynamics of the game.
Dhoni’s batting has been a topic of discussion for several seasons now. In 2020, he averaged just 25.33 in the IPL, with a strike rate of 84.35. Last season, his average dropped further to 20.50, with a strike rate of 73.68. While he has still managed to score some crucial runs, his overall form has been a concern.
It’s worth noting that Dhoni’s batting has been under scrutiny for some time now. In 2019, former India captain Sourav Ganguly had questioned Dhoni’s ability to adapt to the changing nature of the game. “MS Dhoni is an outstanding player, but he needs to adapt to the game. The game has changed a lot, and he needs to change with it,” Ganguly had said.
Chopra’s comments have added to the growing criticism of Dhoni’s batting. While he has still managed to score some runs, his inability to come up with big scores from the top of the order has been a concern. CSK has struggled to find a consistent opening partnership, and Dhoni’s inability to score quickly has put pressure on the middle order.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Dhoni. He is still a highly experienced player, and his ability to read the game and rotate the strike is unmatched. He has also been a brilliant finisher, with a strike rate of over 80 in the death overs.
CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign has also raised questions about Dhoni’s leadership. The team has struggled to find consistency, and Dhoni’s tactics have been criticized by many. However, it’s worth noting that CSK has still managed to make the playoffs, and Dhoni’s experience and guile have been crucial in helping the team navigate the tournament.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate on MS Dhoni’s impact on CSK’s performance. While Dhoni has still managed to score some crucial runs, his inability to come up with big scores from the top of the order and his failure to adapt to the changing nature of the game have been a concern. CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign has also raised questions about Dhoni’s leadership, but his experience and guile will still be crucial in helping the team navigate the tournament.
