The recent IPL 2024 match featured a thrilling showdown between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings. Lucknow emerged victorious by 8 wickets. Brian Lara addressed concerns over Dhoni’s batting position, sparking discussions about team strategy. The match showcased stellar bowling performances, captivating fans with its intensity.
Dhoni’s Limited Batting and Brian Lara’s View:
After securing the trophy last season, MS Dhoni delights fans by returning for another season. He’s maintained an impressive rhythm since the start, making a significant impact from the lower middle order. In the clash against Mumbai, Dhoni’s unbeaten 20 runs off just 4 balls showcased his prowess, including 3 boundaries at a remarkable strike rate of 500.00. His recent knock of 28 runs in 9 balls against Lucknow Super Giants further underscores his valuable contribution.
Former West Indian captain and batting legend Brian Lara acknowledges the sentiment surrounding Dhoni’s promotion but suggests that Dhoni, hindered by chronic knee issues, is unlikely to pursue a change in the lineup. He said, “It’s just brilliant. The question has to be asked would you like to bat higher? Because I can see he’s making valuable contributions. But there are a couple of losing causes as well. So, I think that should be a consideration. At 42, he’s most likely thinking from the teams point of view, that the young guys got to do the job.”
Lara on CSK’s Approach;
Lara discussed the strategic side of Dhoni’s role, stressing the importance of a more aggressive approach from other CSK batters early on. He also pointed out Dhoni’s ability to boost the run rate towards the end of the innings. Lara said, “I think the middle of the innings told a little bit too much about CSK batting. And it created the fact that even though he exploded at the end and he did that Dhoni thing at the end, and it still was not enough. So, I think they will have to go back to the drawing room and realize that they need to be a little bit more aggressive throughout the innings.”
Later he added, “Because at the back end, you’ve got the man to come. And if he gets two-three overs, as he did against Mumbai Indians. And propelled them above 200. They need to think about that all the time.”
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