MS Dhoni’s demotion in the batting order due to his lack of firepower? Questions Aakash Chopra

Chopra feels Dhoni's utility as a wicket-keeper can never be overstated.

View : 4K

2 Min Read

Aakash Chopra (Photo Source: Twitter)
info
Aakash Chopra (Photo Source: Twitter)

The former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the demotion of MS Dhoni in the batting order in the shortest format of the game. Dhoni’s place in the team came under the scanner when he struggled to get going in the chase during the second T20 International against New Zealand in Rajkot. He was trolled by social media after that knock and was also criticised by some of the former cricketers.

The subject of the retirement of the stalwart once again popped up albeit in the T20 format last week despite him scoring 49 off 37 deliveries. However, he failed to hit big shots when it was required which clearly indicated that his stroke-making abilities are clearly on the wane. Soon, Ajit Agarkar and VVS Laxman suggested him to hang his boots and concentrate on the 50-overs format of the game. The skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri though came out to support him in the media and slammed his critics for being too critical of his performances.

Aakash Chopra’s views

Aakash Chopra, in his column to Mid-day, has questioned Dhoni’s demotion in the batting order and also pointed out at his contribution to the team. “While the team has been quite vocal about Dhoni’s utility in the shorter formats and in fact, his contribution in the growth of Indian spinners can never be overstated, there’s also an acknowledgement with regards to his role in the side. It was an interesting decision to drop him down the order, at times to No. 7, in the 50-over format but to do the same in T20s has raised more concerns about his utility,” he wrote.

“His innings in Rajkot and T20 numbers in 2017 are suggesting that he needs time to get going and pushing him lower down the order is not in line with what he’s been doing lately. Sending him after Iyer, Pandya and Pandey in an 8-over game will further raise questions, for it’ll be viewed as an admission that he’s no longer considered to have the firepower to hit big shots from get go,” Chopra added. Interestingly, Aakash Chopra has faced the wrath of the fans of the 36-year-old over his comments on Dhoni recently.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:

googletelegraminstagramwhatsappyoutubethreadstwitter

Download Our App

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS and Google Play Store