IPL 2021: There Shouldn't Be Asking Too Much Effort From MS Dhoni With Bat - Brian Lara Feels CSK Skipper Can "Take Some Rest" Because Of Long Batting Order

Legendary West Indian batsman, Brian Lara opines that the Chennai Super Kings should not expect too much from their skipper, MS Dhoni with the bat this season because of his age and lack of match practice ahead of the IPL 2021.

The right-hander has played two innings so far: he was castled for a 2-ball duck by Delhi Capitals’ Avesh Khan; against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni struggled for timing scoring 18 runs off 17 balls, which he admitted later could have proven match-losing for his side.

Brian Lara suggests MS Dhoni “take some rest” meaning the CSK skipper could be slotted lower in the order than his current batting position of number 7 as Sam Curran, who came to bat at number 8 and squashed a 6-ball 13, is in good form and can hit the ball better than Dhoni in current touch.

“I don’t think there should be asking for too much effort from MS Dhoni with the bat. Of course, he got the gloves in his hands, he has got to take the catches and do the stumpings. But I find that batting order is so long, Dhoni can take some rest.

“We want him in form, we know how destructive he can be but he has got so many good players. Look at Sam Curran, who is in great form. He comes in and hits from ball one straightaway,” Brian Lara told Star Sports.

If Dhoni can get every single individual performing, they can go all the way: Brian Lara

The former West Indies captain Brian Lara, however, believes that the Ranchi-born is still one of the best captains, and if he manages to bring the best out of each player, including himself, then the Yellow Army has a chance to lift their 4th IPL title.

Until the third game, only opener Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn’t made any significant contributions to CSK’s two victories; however, coach Stephen Fleming has backed the right-hander for future matches.

“I think they have got a very good team. A good leader who is inspirational. If he concentrates on that aspect of it, getting every single individual performing, they can go all the way,” Brian Lara stated.

With a thumping 45-run win over Sanju Samson’s side, CSK moves up to the third spot in the points table; they meet Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.

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