Most of Dhoni’s Runs Came When Matches Were Out of Reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been under the microscope recently due to his side’s dismal performance in the 2025 campaign. With the team struggling to find its footing, many have questioned Dhoni’s impact on the game. One such voice is former Indian batter Aakash Chopra, who has opined that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach.
In a recent interview, Chopra pointed out that Dhoni has consistently batted at positions seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. Moreover, he added that Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period. This has led many to question the impact of Dhoni’s batting on the team’s overall performance.
Dhoni’s batting record in the IPL is undeniably impressive. He has scored over 5000 runs in the tournament, with an average of over 38 and a strike rate of over 130. However, Chopra’s claim that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach raises some interesting questions.
One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that Dhoni is used as a finisher by the CSK management. With the team often facing a large run chase, Dhoni is brought into the game to steady the ship and take the game away from the opposition. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure make him an ideal candidate for this role. However, this does not necessarily mean that his batting is directly responsible for the team’s success or failure.
Another possibility is that Dhoni’s batting is not as crucial to the team’s success as some might think. With the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, and Moeen Ali in the CSK lineup, the team has a strong batting lineup that can take on the opposition’s attack. Dhoni’s role in the team is often seen as that of a finisher, and his batting is not always the deciding factor in the game.
It is also worth noting that Dhoni’s batting style is not as aggressive as it once was. In his prime, Dhoni was known for his attacking batting, but in recent years, he has adopted a more cautious approach. This has led to some criticism that he is not taking enough risks and is instead content to play a supporting role to the other batsmen.
Despite these criticisms, Dhoni remains an important part of the CSK lineup. His experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to the team, and his batting, although not as flashy as it once was, is still a useful asset.
In conclusion, while Aakash Chopra’s claim that most of Dhoni’s runs come when the matches are already out of reach may be true, it is not necessarily a reflection on Dhoni’s batting ability. Dhoni’s role in the CSK lineup is that of a finisher, and his batting is not always the deciding factor in the game. His experience and leadership qualities are still essential to the team’s success, and his batting, although not as aggressive as it once was, is still a useful asset.
