MS Dhoni trying to regain form but Jadeja should bat higher for CSK: Former captain Brian Lara
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara said Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ms Dhoni hopes to regain some batting form by promoting herself higher up the order in the UAE for the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) stage, saying a fit captain is an advantage for the 3-time champions.
Lara, however, added that CSK should play Ravindra Jadeja higher up the order if they are to make full use of the India all-rounder’s fine form with the bat this season.
Lara’s comments came after CSK lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) by 3 wickets on Monday in Dubai – their 2nd straight defeat in the season which saw them slip to the 2nd spot and lose out on the numero uno position on IPL 2021 points table.
MS Dhoni struggled to get going against Delhi Capitals as the CSK captain hit just 18 runs in 27 balls – his slowest knock in the history of IPL wherein he has faced more than 25 balls. Dhoni struggled to connect as DC bowlers kept bowling back-of-the-length to the CSK captain who did not even hit a single boundary or a six.
Dhoni, who continues to look a shadow of his former brutal batting self, failed to hit a boundary in an IPL innings for the first time in 12 years (minimum 25 balls).
“MS Dhoni is trying to get some form. He is still a little bit slow, still not full into the stride. Not the Dhoni that we know. He will take some solace that he is getting bat on ball. He did not finish things off,” Lara told Star Sports after CSK’s loss on Monday.
“My feeling is that Jadeja should, at some point, come a little ahead because he is in good form and key to their batting.
“We all know how great a finisher MS Dhoni is and he knows the team is already in the semis (play-offs). The thing is MS Dhoni in form is a great asset for CSK,” he added.
CSK will need to beat Punjab Kings in their final league match on Thursday if they are to be assured of a spot in the top 2 and get an extra shot at reaching the IPL 2021 final. RCB, who are at the 3rd spot with 16 points from 12 matches, have an opportunity to finish in the top 2.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant led Delhi Capitals to complete a rare double over CSK in IPL 2021. Delhi have become the first side to win both the matches in the league stages against CSK and Mumbai Indians.
