'No. 4 is ideal for MS Dhoni'- Michael Hussey sets the roadmap for CSK ahead of IPL 2020

MS Dhoni’s batting position has always been a talking point be it for India or for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Many experts have believes that Dhoni, at this stage of his career, is best suited for position higher up the order for good rewards for the team. With the IPL around the corner, the topic has again surfaced with around a month left for the start of the tournament.

CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey put forth his opinion on the 39-year-old’s batting position in the upcoming league. The Jharkhand-born usually bats at number five or six depending on the match situation. Hussey believes that the number four position is best suited for the great man in the CSK lineup. He said that Dhoni if bats higher up the order, it will be beneficial the team.

“No. 4 is ideal for MS Dhoni to bat, but everyone in the middle-order will need to adapt as per the situation. Not sure yet what the make-up of the team will be. Just focused on the preparation phase at the moment,” Hussey said in an interview with The New Indian Express.

We are lucky to have a lot of experienced players in our ranks: Michael Hussey

The former CSK opener also shared his views on Chennai’s strength by acknowledging that they have a good team balance this year. “Just get in there (ground) and do the hard work. We are lucky to have a lot of experienced players in our ranks who know their game well. They also know what they need to prepare and how to be ready for the task,” Hussey said.

“Of course, batting is our strength, but I feel we have a well-balanced team that covers all the skill sets well. [It’s] not really that easy as everybody thinks. Every player will have to go there and adapt to the conditions,” he believed.

Dhoni will be taking the field after a gap of more than one year. He last played cricket while featuring in the 2019 World Cup semi-final which India lost to New Zealand. There have been sounds murmuring the time for Dhoni’s retirement but the great man may have good answers ready in the upcoming cricket extravaganza.