Most of Dhoni’s runs came when matches were out of reach: Aakash
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, has been a stalwart for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly after CSK’s dismal campaign in the 2025 IPL season. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has joined the chorus of critics, questioning the impact of Dhoni’s batting in the team’s struggles.
In a recent interview, Chopra pointed out that most of Dhoni’s runs have come when the matches are already out of reach. He further emphasized that Dhoni has consistently batted at positions seven or lower in every single innings over the last couple of seasons. Moreover, Chopra revealed that Dhoni has batted at positions eight or nine about 45% of the time during this period.
Chopra’s remarks have sparked a debate in the cricketing fraternity, with many fans and experts weighing in on Dhoni’s role in CSK’s struggles. While some have defended Dhoni’s abilities, citing his experience and leadership qualities, others have questioned his batting form and the impact it has on the team.
Dhoni’s batting average in the 2025 IPL season was a paltry 23.11, with a strike rate of 96.44. While he has still managed to score some crucial runs, his overall performance has been far from impressive. Moreover, CSK’s reliance on Dhoni has been a major concern, with the team often struggling to build partnerships and momentum in their innings.
Chopra’s statistics also highlight the fact that Dhoni has been batting lower down the order more frequently than before. This has raised questions about his ability to play the role of a finisher, which is crucial in the T20 format. Finishers are typically expected to come in during the death overs and score quickly to help their team post a competitive total.
In recent seasons, CSK has struggled to find a consistent batting order, with Dhoni often being forced to bat lower down the order due to the team’s lack of depth in the middle order. This has led to criticism that the team is relying too heavily on Dhoni, rather than developing a more balanced batting lineup.
While Dhoni is still an experienced and respected cricketer, his batting form has been a major concern for CSK. The team’s struggles in the 2025 IPL season have been well-documented, and Dhoni’s inability to score big runs has been a significant factor in their poor performance.
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra’s remarks highlight the fact that Dhoni’s runs have often come when the matches are already out of reach. While this may not be a major concern in isolation, it does raise questions about the team’s batting strategy and the role of Dhoni in the lineup. As CSK looks to rebuild and improve in the future, the team may need to re-evaluate its approach to batting and consider alternative options to Dhoni.
