IPL 2021: Dhoni’s current form defended by Chennai Super Kings CEO

Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPL

Xtra Time Web Desk: It is a well known matter that MS Dhoni, the much-revered ‘Captain Cool’, has not been able to succeed with the bat in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). His confidence and form have been questioned by many. 

In an interview with the CEO of the Chennai Super Kings which was conducted by Inside Sport (insidesport.co), a number of questions related to Dhoni were placed before him. During the session, Kasi Viswanathan confidently said: “We are back on track and placed 2nd at the IPL table. And for all this, credit goes to MS Dhoni. The way he leads the team. His talisman presence itself is half the job done. He is always an asset and never a liability. I am sure he will take us to the playoffs & clinch yet another title for us.” When he was asked about Dhoni’s current run of failure with the bat, however, he promptly ducked the question.

Upon being asked about why Dhoni was batting at no 7, and whether or not he was sure of his batting ability anymore, Vishwanathan said: “See, he plays for the team. To bat at the position he has preferred is something, MS has taken in consultation with the team management. He plays to the situation in the best interest of the game. I am sure if need be he and the team management might decide to play him up the order. But that is for them to decide. He has played only 2 innings so far & I am sure he will come up with big knock performances… CSK needs its captain more than ever before. He is an asset and will always remain so.”.

Dhoni had a poor IPL campaign last time out, scoring just 200 runs in 14 matches. His highest score had been 47, and he maintained a below-par average of 25 runs with a strike rate of just 116.27, an uninspiring rate for a T20 batsman. His poor form has continued thus far in this edition as well, as he couldn’t open his account in the game against Delhi Capitals, before failing to make a noticeable mark yet again last night against the Rajasthan Royals. With all the controversy surrounding his poor track-record, the question stands- Will he be able to get going again?