Dwayne Bravo, the leading wicket-taker in IPL history who is now the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach, has defended MS Dhoni’s decision to bat lower down the order during the ongoing IPL season. Bravo was of the opinion that Dhoni taking on such a role gave others more opportunities to show their worth.
Dhoni’s reputation as one of the most formidable finishers in cricket history is secure, but he has dialed back his involvement in the Chennai batting line-up, often coming in with only a handful of deliveries left to face. Despite managing a nagging knee injury, Dhoni – who turns 42 in July – continues to defy the odds and unleash mammoth sixes at will. This season, he has primarily batted at No.8 and has accumulated 61 runs at a breathtaking strike-rate of 196.77.
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“That is the position he has to bat,” said Bravo, who won the IPL thrice with Chennai, at a press conference before the game against Rajasthan Royals on April 27. “Everyone is batting higher than him, and he takes that responsibility and ownership upon himself to bat lower down the order because the likes of Jadeja, Rayudu, and Dube, he wants to give these guys as many opportunities as possible. He is happy to just play the finishing role.”
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His passionate fans in Kolkata saw him face just three balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. Some of those heading to the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur will have memories of a game there in October 2005, when Dhoni smashed his highest ODI score of 183 not out against Sri Lanka. More than a few of them will hope that he gets to face more than three balls.