Former Indian Stalwarts Back MS Dhoni to Bat at Number 5 in National Team

With MS Dhoni enjoying a highly successful Indian Premier League with the bat, several former India cricketers have opined the former India captain should bat at number five in the national team.

Dhoni’s reputation as a reliable batsman had taken a beating before the season started. One of the best finishers in the history of the game, the veteran batsman was not batting in the way that had made him one of the most dangerous batsmen on the planet a few years ago.

However, he has turned back the clock with some scintillating hitting in the recently-concluded edition of the tournament.

In fact, he has had one of the best IPL seasons of his life. He not only won games for his side almost single-handedly but is also showed unparalleled consistency.

The Chennai Super Kings skipper finished the season with 455 runs to his name. In addition, he also scored three fifties while smashing 24 fours and a staggering 30 sixes. It was his best season since 2013 when he had scored 461 runs in 18 games.

Impressed with his form, the former players feel Dhoni should get promoted in the national team.

Former manager-cum-selector of the Indian team, Anshuman Gaekwad said that oppositions would struggle to get past Dhoni once he gets ample time to settle down.

“Dhoni’s ability to control the game is amazing. If he gets the time to settle down by batting up the order, he will be a tough nut to crack for the opposition teams. I would really make him bat at No. 5. I also believe that Dhoni batting higher up the order will give him the allowance to comfortably win games for India,” Gaekwad told India Today.

Another former chairman of the selection committee, Kris Srikkanth too agreed that the 36-year old should bat at No. 5.

“Dhoni has shown what he is capable of doing while batting up the order. And there is no better batsman than him in that position. I would cast my vote in favour of Dhoni batting at No.5,” Srikkanth said.

Former leg-spinner Sivaramakrishnan said Dhoni should not be used lower down the order.

“A player like Dhoni can’t be used as low as No. 6. He can’t be seen playing last five to seven overs in an ODI game. The kind of batting he has shown in the IPL, I think he should continue with the same batting order like he did in the CSK matches. It will only help the team and world’s biggest all-rounder should get that luxury,” Siva said.