After the disappointment of 2020, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a strong comeback in 2021 and have been almost flawless so far this season. With eight wins from 10 matches, they look set to reach the playoffs this week. However, if there is one concern they will have, it is the batting form of MS Dhoni. 

The CSK skipper has only scored 52 runs at a below-par average of 10.40 this season. His highest score this season is just 18 runs. Dhoni’s batting misery was highlighted against Kolkata Knight Riders.

After walking out to bat in a crucial juncture of the chase, he was dismissed for just one run off five balls by mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. 

Following Dhoni’s below-par outing, former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has voiced his opinion saying that the CSK captain shouldn’t come out to bat in critical situations. Talking on his Youtube channel Cheeky Cheeka, he said “He himself accepts it (playing more as a captain than a batsman). He should not be coming in at No. 5. He can do that when there is an easy win at sight. In crucial stages, he shouldn’t be coming to bat at No. 5. Honestly, he himself knows it. I think he is playing as a leader and the captain of the ship who can get his tactics right. He is brilliant with wicketkeeping, as usual.”

Remembering a similar instance when Chakravarthy dismissed him last season too, the ex-Indian selector said: “MS Dhoni had no clue about Varun. Last year, there was a similar situation. Varun got Dhoni out and CSK crumbled. CSK nearly crumbled this time too.”

The former India opener advocated for Ravindra Jadeja to be promoted ahead of both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the batting order. “Jadeja should be coming in at No. 5. Rayudu at No. 4. Moeen Ali is doing a brilliant job at No. 3. Then, depending on the situation, CSK should send Sam Curran or Dwayne Bravo. After then, they should look at sending Raina or Dhoni, ” said Srikkanth.

The Dhoni-led CSK will next take the field against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday.