Most of Dhoni’s Runs Came When Matches Were Out of Reach: Aakash
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian captain, has been a stalwart for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. However, his recent performances have been scrutinized, with many questioning his impact on the team’s success. Aakash Chopra, a former Indian batter, has added fuel to the fire, stating that most of Dhoni’s runs in the IPL have come when the matches were already out of reach.
In an interview, Chopra opined that Dhoni’s batting position has been influenced by the team’s overall performance. “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,” he added.
This revelation has raised eyebrows, with many fans and experts questioning the effectiveness of Dhoni’s batting in the current IPL season. Chopra’s observations suggest that Dhoni’s batting has become more of a token gesture, with the team’s fortunes already decided by the time he takes the crease.
Dhoni’s batting average in the IPL has been steadily declining over the years, with his highest score in the 2025 season being just 23 runs. His average has dropped to a meager 17.33, which is a far cry from his impressive numbers in the early years of his IPL career.
There are several reasons why Dhoni’s batting has become less impactful over the years. One major factor is his age. Dhoni is 40 years old now, and his reflexes and reaction time are no longer as sharp as they used to be. He has also lost some of his power and agility, which has affected his ability to play the aggressive brand of cricket that was once his hallmark.
Another factor is the changing nature of the game. The IPL has become more of a T20 competition, with teams focusing on aggressive batting and explosive starts. Dhoni’s style of play, which was once so effective, is no longer suited to the modern game.
Despite these challenges, Dhoni remains a valuable asset for the CSK. His experience and leadership skills are still unmatched, and he continues to be a vital cog in the team’s wheel. However, his batting has become more of a luxury, with the team relying on younger players to score the bulk of the runs.
Chopra’s observations have sparked a debate about Dhoni’s role in the CSK team. While some fans believe that he should be allowed to continue playing, others feel that it is time for him to step aside and allow younger players to take the reins.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s comments have highlighted the challenges that Dhoni faces as a batsman in the modern IPL. While he remains an important figure for the CSK, his batting has become less impactful over the years. It will be interesting to see how the team handles this situation, and whether Dhoni is able to adapt to the changing nature of the game.
