Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and current CSK skipper, has been a stalwart in the world of cricket for over two decades. His incredible record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. However, a recent statement by former India batter Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows about Dhoni’s batting performance, especially in the current IPL season.
Aakash, who has been a vocal critic of Dhoni’s batting in recent times, stated that most of Dhoni’s runs have come when the matches were already out of reach. According to him, Dhoni’s batting position has been consistently low down the order, with him often coming in to bat at position seven or lower.
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, Aakash revealed. This statistic has led many to question the impact of Dhoni’s batting on CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign.
Aakash’s statement has sparked a heated debate about Dhoni’s batting abilities, with many fans and experts weighing in on the topic. While some have defended Dhoni’s record, citing his experience and ability to perform under pressure, others have questioned his suitability as a top-order batsman.
One of the main criticisms of Dhoni’s batting is that he has become a “finisher” rather than an opener or a middle-order batsman. This means that he often comes in to bat when the match is already in the balance, and his role is to finish off the innings with a flourish.
While this approach has worked for Dhoni in the past, it has also led to criticism that he is not contributing to the team’s overall batting effort. Dhoni’s average strike rate has also been a subject of debate, with many arguing that he is not as aggressive as he used to be.
Another issue that has been raised is that Dhoni’s batting style is not conducive to the modern game. His slow paced batting and lack of aggression have been criticized by many, who argue that he is not adapting to the changing game.
Despite these criticisms, Dhoni remains one of the most successful batsmen in the IPL. His ability to perform under pressure and his experience have been invaluable to CSK, and he continues to be a key player for the team.
However, Aakash’s statement has raised questions about Dhoni’s future in the IPL. If CSK fails to make the playoffs this season, it could be a major blow to Dhoni’s reputation and his chances of continuing to play in the league.
In conclusion, Aakash’s statement about Dhoni’s batting has sparked a heated debate about the CSK captain’s impact on the team’s performance. While Dhoni remains one of the most successful batsmen in the IPL, his batting style and position in the order have been criticized by many. As CSK’s dismal IPL 2025 campaign continues, Dhoni’s future in the league remains uncertain.
