Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)
MS Dhoni’s batting position in the Chennai Super Kings line-up has become a talking point in recent seasons. Fitness concerns have often seen the legendary wicket-keeper-batsman going far lower, sometimes even higher.
8 or even not
9. As a result, Dhoni has only a few deliveries left to influence the game with the bat.In his prime, Dhoni built a reputation as one of the most destructive players in world cricket. So far, the former CSK skipper has produced several quick movements that remind fans of his finishing ability. These flashes have sparked controversy among supporters and experts who feel he should hit higher for maximum effect.
Sanju Samson opens his T20 World Cup journey and wins the title
India Test Veteran
Cheteshwar Pujara
He is among those who believe Dhoni should be given a bigger role with the bat. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara said he finds it difficult to understand the logic behind sending the former India skipper so far down the pecking order.“I don’t see the point of MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9, because he has the ability to turn games around single-handedly, which is something no other CSK batsman can do. If he bats for just five or ten balls, imagine what Mahi bhai can do if he bowls 25 or 30 balls,” Pujara said on JioHotstar.
Pujara, who was part of the CSK side that lifted a record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League title in 2021, spoke warmly about the franchise’s dressing room culture.“I have been in the CSK setup. In that environment, the players feel very comfortable; they are like a family. When you are in that setup, there is clarity about what is expected of you as a player,” Pujara said.He added that loyalty has always been a hallmark of the franchise’s philosophy.“Loyalty also comes into the picture because most CSK players, if you look at history, stay for a long time once they are part of that setup. There is a shift in the team now, so there is a bit more preference for younger players,” he added.Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence that Dhoni will feature regularly for the team throughout the season.“(Donnie) will play all the matches, in my opinion,” Casey said.CSK recently acquired the services of the wicket-keeper batsman
Sanju Samson
from
Rajasthan Royals
a move that raised new questions about the role Dhoni will play in the playing eleven.Casey explained that the final decision regarding Donnie’s responsibilities will rest with the team’s technical staff and not the management.“This is a cricketing decision that will be made by the cricket staff, not the officiating staff. So they will decide whether he plays as a batsman, as a wicket-keeper or as an influence fielder.”