Title: Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for many cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. One such player is MS Dhoni, the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, a recent statement by former India batter Aakash Chopra has sparked a debate about Dhoni’s impact on the team’s performance. Chopra opined that most of Dhoni’s runs in recent seasons have come when the matches were already out of reach.
Dhoni, who is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to finish matches, has consistently batted at position seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. According to Chopra, Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This statistic raises questions about the impact Dhoni has on the team’s performance and whether he is still the right batsman to lead the team.
Chopra’s statement is not without merit. In recent seasons, CSK has struggled to get off to a good start in the tournament. They have often found themselves in a difficult position, requiring a big turnaround to win the match. In such situations, Dhoni’s batting has been crucial in helping the team get closer to the target. However, it is debatable whether his batting has been the primary reason for the team’s success.
One of the main criticisms of Dhoni’s batting is that it has become too defensive. He has become more cautious and is often seen playing a defensive game, which has led to criticism that he is not taking enough risks. This approach has led to a significant drop in the team’s run rate, which has made it difficult for them to chase down large targets.
Another issue with Dhoni’s batting is that it has become too reliant on his ability to finish matches. He has become the default finisher for CSK, and this has led to other batsmen not getting a chance to bat. This has been seen as a major issue, as it has limited the team’s options and made them too dependent on one player.
In addition to these issues, there have been concerns about Dhoni’s fitness and ability to play at a high level. He has been known to struggle with injuries, and this has led to doubts about his ability to play for a full season. This has led to questions about whether he is still the right captain for the team.
Despite these concerns, Dhoni remains a highly respected player and captain in the IPL. He has led CSK to three IPL titles and has been a key player in the team’s success. However, his recent batting form and inability to take risks have led to criticism that he is holding the team back.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s statement that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach raises important questions about the impact of Dhoni’s batting on the team’s performance. While Dhoni is still a highly respected player, his recent form and approach to batting have led to criticism that he is holding the team back. The CSK management will need to decide whether to continue with Dhoni as captain or to look for a new leader who can take the team forward.
