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MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s form with the bat has been a concern for CSK in IPL 2021. In 3 matches in IPL 2021, MS Dhoni has amassed only 18 runs in total. Dhoni’s dismal strike rate of 94.73 in IPL 2021 so far clearly highlights his poor form this season. The 39 year old’s approach to batting has been criticized as well as applauded by the cricket fraternity. However, either way, it won’t affect the CSK skipper. Dhoni is unlikely to change his batting style, with only a year or two left before he retires from all formats of the game.
In his prime, Dhoni used to smash balls out of the park on the first ball he faced. Now, Dhoni needs a ball or two to settle and assess the batting conditions. Currently, Dhoni bats at the no 7 spot in the CSK batting order. The CSK skipper has struggled against spin in IPL 2021, especially in the middle overs. This is one reason why Dhoni should play further up the batting order. Coming out to bat at no 7 adds a lot of pressure on Dhoni. Moreover, since Dhoni takes time to settle, he could be at his explosive best in the death overs. Hence, it is ideal to push MSD up the batting order.
CSK’s batting lineup provides Dhoni the freedom to bat higher
The CSK has quite a strong batting lineup this year in the IPL. Hence, the reliance on Dhoni to deliver has decreased drastically. Furthermore, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran can easily bat down in the batting order. Therefore, this could provide Dhoni the freedom and get time to adjust himself to the playing conditions.
Where could Dhoni possibly bat in CSK’s top batting order?
This could be a conundrum if Dhoni is pushed to bat in CSK’s top order in the upcoming matches this season. The CSK skipper certainly can’t open for the 3 time IPL champions. Moeen Ali has played superbly well at the no 3 spot for CSK in IPL 2021. Suresh Raina, who batted at no 3 previously in the IPL, will occupy the no 4 spot. Hence, Dhoni will face competition from the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Sam Curran. Either one of these players will have to be sacrificed so that Dhoni can bat in the top order. If Dhoni resurrects his form batting up top, CSK could be a force to reckon with in IPL 2021.