The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has presented numerous surprises for the fans. However, the undoubtedly biggest surprise of all was the dismal performance of former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni.
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CSK are currently at the bottom of the table, after 10 games, having lost seven and winning just three. With just four more games to go, Dhoni and his men need to dig deep to find the magic pill that can turn around their fortunes this season.
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Keeping Dhoni's captaincy aside, it is his gameplay that has not been that impressive this season. Notably, it is his first competitive outing in over a year, following the sabbatical after the 2019 ICC World Cup.
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Dhoni, who generally plays the role of the finisher for CSK, did show his hard-hitting abilities initially but has barely been effective for the side. Meanwhile, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar feels that the one change Dhoni needs to make is his batting position.
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“In my opinion, MS Dhoni shouldn’t be batting lower than No.5. It will obviously depend on what the situation is, but the lowest, he should go is No.5," Agarkar told Star Sports.
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“He is arguably one of the greatest cricketing brains to ever play the game. He can see things and assess situations which other players can’t and you can see, as the tournament progress, his forms getting better as well. So, he shouldn’t be batting lower than No.5 for me," added Agarkar.
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CSK have suffered a number of setbacks in the form of their players, as veterans Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh pulled out from the tournament, owing to personal reasons. Meanwhile, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was ruled out on Wednesday, due to a groin injury.
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CSK are unlikely to seek any further player replacements for the season, as Dhoni has hinted that the remaining players would be given chances to prove themselves. CSK play defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) nest on Friday, who are in the second spot.
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