IPL 2021: “Don’t ask too much of MS Dhoni with the bat”, suggests Brian Lara to CSK
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legendary captain MS Dhoni remains a master tactician but his overall batting prowess has been on the way down. Similar to last year’s edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni has struggled to make an impact with the bat after returning to cricket post a lengthy hiatus. He has also faced question marks over his right position in the batting order.
MS Dhoni had his worst season with the bat in IPL 2020 in UAE, scoring 200 runs from 14 innings at an average of 25.00 and strike-rate of 116.27 as CSK suffered their first-ever league stage exit. In IPL 2021 as well, Dhoni’s first three innings have fetched him just 18 runs while going at a rate of only 94.73 per 100 balls.
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With Dhoni’s strike-rotation ability and power-hitting game declining significantly in the last couple of years, there is a genuine feeling among those watching outside that CSK no longer need his batting self. Despite MS Dhoni’s disappointing returns, unlike last year, the three-time champions have managed to win more regularly, winning two of their three outings so far.
MS Dhoni, though, continues to be the shrewdest captaincy brain in contemporary IPL cricket, something which was evident when he realised early that the ball would grip in CSK’s last match at the Wankhede Stadium versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) and made excellent use of Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali.
MS Dhoni has had decline in his performances with the bat.
“Don’t ask too much of MS Dhoni with the bat”, suggests Brian Lara to CSK
Keeping in mind everything, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara believes MS Dhoni can take some rest and need not put too much effort with the bat while he focuses on the leadership front.
Also Read: WATCH VIDEO: One Minute Of MS Dhoni Going Hammer And Tongs in the CSK Nets
“I don’t think they should be asking for too much effort from MS Dhoni with the bat,” Lara said on Star Sports.
“Of course, he got the gloves in his hands, he has got to take the catches and do the stumpings. But I find that batting order is so long, Dhoni can take some rest.”
“We want him in form, we know how destructive he can be but he has got so many good players. Look at Sam Curran, who is in great form. He comes in and hits from ball one straightaway,” he added.
For Lara, the lengthy CSK batting unit can manage without Dhoni having to break the sweat too much in the middle. He thinks the team can clinch their fourth IPL title if MS Dhoni doesn’t lose his sharpness as a skipper. Dhoni is inarguably still one of the best readers of a cricket match around.
“I think they have got a very good team. A good leader (MS Dhoni) who is inspirational. If he concentrates on that aspect of it, getting every single individual performing, they can go all the way,” Lara signed off.
With two wins from three matches under their belt, MS Dhoni’s CSK will next play Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday (April 21) in Mumbai.