MS Dhoni should have played like the Dhoni of old: Kris Srikkanth

The three-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are living a horrible dream in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). The Super Kings are on the verge of getting eliminated from the league. It would be the first time in the history of the T20 Championship that CSK would fail to qualify for the playoffs. The team is languishing at the eight position in the points table with just three wins from nine fixtures thus far.

The Yellow Army’s poor run has raised quite a few eyebrows in the cricket fraternity. They have been at the receiving end of some harsh criticism by many cricket pundits and fans. The former Indian opener and captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth raised questions on MS Dhoni’s approach towards his batting. The veteran was also critical about the selection of the playing XI. 

MS Dhoni never allowed the bowler to dictate terms: Kris Srikkanth 

Speaking to the Times of India, Srikkanth reckoned that if Dhoni wasn’t able to middle the balls and regain his form, he should have played fearlessly and aggressively as this is the best way of getting back to the game. One of the best finishers to have embraced the modern game of cricket, Dhoni has not been able to do the job for his team as in 11 games, he has collected only 180 runs with the willow.

“I have seen many great batsmen get into a rut and unless you possess the greatest of technique, the best way to come back to form is to take an aggressive approach. Dhoni should have played like the Dhoni of old, where he was fearless and attacking,” Srikkanth said. 

Further in the interaction, the former Indian cricketer added that MS has always had an upper hand over the bowlers. However, this time, the bowlers are able to dictate him, which is one of the prime reasons for his failures. Srikkanth also raised questions over the Ranchi Stalwart’s captaincy for not picking up the youngsters in the playing XI and sticking with ‘experience over youth’. 

“He never allowed the bowler to dictate terms; unfortunately he allowed the bowlers to gain an upper hand in almost every innings this season. As far as Dhoni’s tactics as captain goes, I didn’t really understand why he refused to play the youngsters in the side,” Krishnamachari concluded.