CSK can go all the way if Dhoni is successful in bringing the best out of every player: Brian Lara

Brian Lara has stated that MS Dhoni should rest as CSK’s batting line-up was long enough, and players like Sam Curran were in great form. Former West Indies captain added that 3-time IPL champions CSK should not be anticipating too much from MS Dhoni with the bat. Notably, no CSK player could manage to hit a half-century in the match, but still, the team managed to pile up 188 runs on the board. MS Dhoni came to the crease ahead of Sam Curran at the 7th position in the match. Furthermore, Brian Lara claimed that CSK could successfully grab their 4th title if MS Dhoni focuses on bringing the best out of all his players.

MS Dhoni returned to lead Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2021 after a disappointing season the last time around. It was the first time in the history of IPL that the yellow army failed to qualify for the playoffs. Though in terms of leadership and wicket-keeping, MS Dhoni hardly seems to have aged. However, his performances with the willow are still leaving plenty to desire. MS Dhoni also accepted that his slow start against Rajasthan Royals could have cost his team the game. 

I don't think there should be asking for too much effort from MS Dhoni with the bat: Brian Lara

Despite registering a massive 45-run win against Sanju Samson & Co., MS Dhoni isn't happy with his performance with the bat. The wicket-keeper batsman walked into bat at No.7 in the 14th over. He played four successive dot balls. Though he showed more urgency towards the end of the innings, he managed to score only 18 runs off 17 deliveries. Since IPL 2020, the 39-year-old has scored 218 runs in the tournament at the strike rate of 114.

With star players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali and Dwayne Bravo in the middle-order, Chennai has several all-rounders to make for Dhoni's inefficiency in the batting order. Having accepted that his slow start against RR could have cost CSK the match, Dhoni might push himself further down in the batting order in the upcoming games. After the latest win against RR, Chennai Super Kings have taken the second spot in the IPL 2021 standings. On the other end, RR are spotted sixth with only 2 points to their name. Chennai Super Kings will now play against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mumbai on Wednesday.

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