Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart MS Dhoni came under severe scrutiny for his batting approach while chasing the stiff target of 184 runs against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk on Saturday (April 5).
Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 7 in the 11th over when CSK were reeling at 74/5. The wicketkeeper-batter finished unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls – a knock that might seem decent on paper. However, it was painfully slow in the context of the game.
Dhoni’s first 18 balls fetched just 13 runs and it was only in the 18th and 19th overs that he showed flashes of his aggressive hitting, slicing a four past backward point and launching a six over long-on. But by then, the game had already slipped away.
While Dhoni forged an unbroken 83-run stand for the sixth wicket with Vijay Shankar (69* off 54), CSK’s innings was eventually restricted to 158/5 in 20 overs.
After the game, Dhoni’s approach in the chase was questioned by the fans, experts and former cricketers and calls for his retirement also grew louder.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has also joined the bandwagon, suggesting that if Dhoni isn’t leading the franchise and continues to bat this way, he should make way for a youngster now.
“Yes, if Dhoni isn’t captaining, then it hurts a little seeing him (bat) this way," Jaffer said on ESPNCricinfo in response to whether the former CSK skipper needs to drop himself from the playing XI.
According to Jaffer, Dhoni’s struggle is because of him playing limited cricket. The 43-year-old called time on his international career in 2020 and only plays in the IPL now.
“Obviously, Dhoni doesn’t play a lot of cricket so it’s not easy. That’s why he bats so low but when you’ve lost five wickets inside 10 overs then Dhoni has no other option (but to bat) since there’s just Ashwin behind. It was good to see that at least Dhoni batted at no. 7 today," he stated.
However, Jaffer reckons CSK have bigger problems to worry about than the form of Dhoni. “The biggest concern is that your top-order is not making runs. It doesn’t feel like they are in the race while chasing. They lost last game by 40 odd runs, this by 25 runs. This isn’t the CSK of old. Whenever CSK picks a player, you expect him to perform well. But this hasn’t been the case this time around be it Tripathi or Deepak Hooda. They’ve been off colour," he stated.
“I feel for the fans – they turn up in huge numbers. I haven’t seen CSK play this bad at home," he further remarked.
Chennai Super Kings’ next match is scheduled against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 8).
