CSK declared useless without MS Dhoni by Ex-England captain
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Former England skipper Michael Vaughan clarified that CSK are not the same dominant franchise without MS Dhoni behind the stumps. He cited Dhoni's tactical framework and maneuvering of the field as the two key factors behind CSK's success.
The Chennai Super Kings, who are one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition, have not managed to qualify for the playoffs over the past two seasons. However, CSK turned out with a revamped side for the upcoming season in 2026.
The Super Kings relied heavily on their star power and, for the first time in the history of the IPL, played a game without their veteran cricketer MS Dhoni and former legend Suresh Raina. They started IPL 2026 with a humiliating loss in the first game.
Michael Vaughan shed light on the importance of MS Dhoni in CSK
Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan realized that wicket-keepers are key to the T20 teams, and they can help the Indian players to be in full swing in the contest.
"Yes, absolutely. I look at all cricket teams from around the world; your keeper is your lead singer. A band has to have a lead singer, and if he is not guiding the rest of the band...," said Michael Vaughan on Cricbuzz.
He further reflected on the brilliance cast by the Indian legend MS Dhoni, who has been a monumental figure behind the stumps. Dhoni truly was a veteran skipper well aware of the field conditions and could read the bowler's mind, which helped him opt for the right fielding positions.
"The angles in T20 cricket are more variable than any of the other formats because you are talking about meters here and there. You have someone like that, MS Dhoni; when he is behind the stumps, you see him like this (Vaughan imitated Dhoni's hand movements) to every bowler.
"He will be moving the field, knowing the spinner, for instance, will be bowling a certain ball. He might have had a signal; I'm not sure if he did, but I am sure he did so much. If Jadeja is going to bowl wide of the off-stump, mid-off could go a bit wider. That's what he is there for, you know. Sam Billings does it in T20 cricket for all the franchise teams that he plays in," he added.
"You are talking about small percentages, but they get really big in T20s" - Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan also claimed that these might look like small instances in the shortest format of the game; however, they pile up to make massive impacts in the game. He pointed out that Dhoni could have resulted in saving vital runs for the team with some alterations that he made from behind the stumps.
"You are talking about small percentages, but they get really big in T20s, as you would be playing just 120 balls, with what you know you can deliver in terms of control, the angles the pitch, the dimensions and the wicket-keeper maneuvering the field."
"Say, like, what MS did, 10 balls out of 120—maybe he did a lot more, but maybe with this many, he moved a fielder 3 or 4 meters and saved a boundary or a run. It could be worse; maybe there is no value in that, so I would guess that he could work 20-30 runs. MS Dhoni behind the stumps, maneuvering at his best, can save probably 20 or 30.
Will MS Dhoni be available for the upcoming CSK vs PBKS match?
MS Dhoni has reportedly been ruled out of the start of the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 44-year-old veteran star missed out due to a calf injury and will likely not return for almost two weeks. Vaughan had earlier predicted this as a tactical move.
CSK will play their next game against the Punjab Kings on Friday, the 3rd of April. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will return to their home ground at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for the upcoming fixture.
They started off the competition with a massive defeat against the Rajasthan Royals. On the other hand, one question that remains as a major challenge would be whether MS Dhoni will be featuring in the upcoming game.
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