Ambati Rayudu and Michael Clarke shared their thoughts about MS Dhoni’s shift in the batting order for the Chennai Super Kings.
MS Dhoni’s explosive 37-run knock from just 16 deliveries for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against the Delhi Capitals (DC) has sparked renewed debate about his batting position in IPL 2024.
Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu shared that Dhoni’s late-inning heroics might have dashed fans’ hopes of seeing him bat higher in the order. “I feel that after this knock, he will definitely not come because he has now got the confidence that he can win matches for CSK by going down the order. This is actually a setback to our hopes of seeing Dhoni bhai bat up the order,” Rayudu said on Star Sports.
Rayudu further explained Dhoni’s decision to prioritise big-hitting over singles during the match. “I feel Mahi Bhai knew that the match had probably gone out of grasp. So he knew he could get crucial batting practice in the middle of a match because he knows that such a situation can come in the playoffs or a crucial qualifying match. So he was preparing himself for that. Every team should be scared now because this guy will come in the last five overs, and we will now again get to see the batting we used to see from MS Dhoni in 2005,” added the former Indian cricketer.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke also echoed Rayudu’s sentiment regarding Dhoni’s batting position. “He’s going to be needed, there’s no doubt about it, throughout this tournament and probably needed when they’re under maximum pressure, especially if he’s going to bat where he’s batting, down so low in the order,” Clarke remarked.
Clarke further acknowledged fans’ desire to see Dhoni bat higher but believes his experience makes him a perfect finisher. “I don’t think he will. I think he’ll stay where he is. I think every MS Dhoni fan wants to see him as high up the order as possible. I don’t think you’ll see him batting in the top five or top six. I think he’s a genius at the dance. He’s probably the best finisher I’ve ever seen. So, I think they’ll continue to utilise him in that role,” concluded Clarke.
Last Updated on April 1, 2024
