Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa argued in a recent discussion that MS Dhoni’s current batting performance proves his right to bat higher in Chennai Super Kings’ line-up following their 18-run defeat to Punjab Kings. Punjab Kings chose to bat first before reaching a total of 219/6 with lead scorer Priyansh Arya. The 103 runs that Priyansh Arya scored in his powerful innings stand as the second-fastest century made by an Indian player during IPL history with 7 fours and 9 sixes.
The opening powerplay period started positively for CSK when Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway displayed dominant batting form. Continuous wickets during the match caused their scoring progress to decline. The sharp 27-run batting performance of Dhoni from 12 balls led to his fourth defeat in the game for CSK after receiving a final-over dismissal.
“I don’t think MS Dhoni has ever lacked intent. Even outside the IPL, I believe he has handed over responsibility to others and told them clearly what to expect in the coming years as CSK re-emerge as a championship contender. That change is happening, and while we would love to see MS bat the way he is right now, maybe a little higher up the order, I don’t think the problem is at the end,” Uthappa said on JioHotstar.
Uthappa also shared his thoughts on Chennai’s performance against Punjab and said, “They started well, scored around 9.8 or 9.9 runs per over, which is much better than expected considering the openers they have. But you can’t let the game go in the middle overs, especially when chasing a big score. The approach was very calm in the 7 to 12 overs.”
“You need big overs right after the powerplay to keep the pressure on the opposition. Winning the powerplay is one thing, but capturing the middle overs wins you the match and they failed to do that again. In the last two overs, they needed 42 runs, which is too much. If they had played a few overs of 15 to 20 runs in the middle, the equation could have come down to just 22 to 25 runs needed in the end. The intent was just not there,” Uthappa said.
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