IPL 2021: MS Dhoni Should Not Be Coming In At No.5 For CSK - Kris Srikkanth

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth believes that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper, MS Dhoni, should not walk out to bat at No.5 but instead promote Ravindra Jadeja to the spot. Srikkanth was referring to the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday where CSK nearly collapsed from a great position.

After cruising for more than half of the match, the Chennai side suffered a collapse after the middle-overs phase. They needed to be rescued by a stunning onslaught from Jadeja in the 19th over, where he collected 22 runs off Prasidh Krishna.

“MS Dhoni had no clue about Varun. Last year, there was a similar situation. Varun got Dhoni out and CSK crumbled. CSK nearly crumbled this time too. He himself accepts it (playing more as a captain than a batsman). He should not be coming in at No. 5.”

“He can do that when there is an easy win at sight. In crucial stages, he shouldn’t be coming to bat at No. 5. Honestly, he himself knows it. I think he is playing as a leader and the captain of the ship who can get his tactics right. He is brilliant with wicketkeeping, as usual,” Srikkanth mentioned.

Jadeja should be coming in at No. 5 – Kris Srikkanth

The 61-year-old Kris Srikkanth also expects to see the in-form Ravindra Jadeja arrive at the crease. The all-rounder has made huge upgrades to his batting across all three formats. This should give him the edge over Dhoni, who only plays for CSK.

“Jadeja should be coming in at No. 5. Rayudu at No. 4. Moeen Ali is doing a brilliant job at No. 3. Then, depending on the situation, CSK should send Sam Curran or Dwayne Bravo. After then, they should look at sending Raina or Dhoni. Frankly speaking, Dhoni should come down in the order. Imagine, when it comes to play-offs and winning the championship (Dhoni should bat lower down the order),” the veteran added.

CSK ended on the winning side of a nail-biting finish against KKR. They needed one off the last ball and Deepak Chahar managed to get his side over the line.

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