"MS Dhoni might..." - Aakash Chopra predicts bold batting reshuffle ahead of IPL 2024

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opened up about the strategies of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) going into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He believes that MS Dhoni might promote himself in the batting order because his knee is better now.

MS Dhoni has joined the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2024. The keeper-batter has begun his preparations for the tournament and was seen batting in the nets as well. The excitement to see him bat has already taken its toll on the fans.

MS Dhoni didn’t bat much in the IPL 2023. He demoted himself down the order and batted at No.8. The keeper-batter faced only 57 balls in 12 innings that he played. He smashed 104 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 182.45. One of the things that bothered him while batting up the order was his knee.

MS Dhoni struggled a lot with his knee last season and was seen limping as well. However, after the IPL, he underwent a knee injury and now looks even fitter. Therefore there might be a chance that he promotes himself up the order and entertains his fans.

Aakash Chopra talked about MS Dhoni’s template of cricket and stressed that the keeper-batter wants to take the game deep and that’s why finishing innings on high is important for CSK.

Aakash Chopra pointed out how CSK utilized their players in the final of the IPL 2023. He also spoke about what things the franchise might do this time around. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained:

“They keep building. They are not a team that suddenly starts playing big shots with a top-heavy batting lineup. Dhoni’s template of cricket is to take the game deep and then finish it well. Finishing is very important for this team because they always build towards that finish.”

“If you see the last final as well, that was the case. They used the players very well last year and will do that this year as well. Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane and Daryl Mitchell might be moved up and down the order. MS Dhoni might himself come to bat up the order this time because the knee is better.”

They go according to the pitch – Aakash Chopra on CSK

Aakash Chopra further pointed out how CSK pick their team as per the pitches at the venues. He said that the MS Dhoni-led side plans like chess players and stressed how they use their resources. He added:

“They go according to the pitch, which every team should do. They plan meticulously, just like chess players. When you come out of the Chennai dressing room, the pitch on the right turns more, and the pitch on the left is flat and the ball comes nicely onto the bat.

“So when the opposing team does not have spin, they go to the spinning pitch. When they want to score runs at the start with the bat, they go to the batting pitch. So they have the options and they use them very well. It is a part of their strategy.”

Chennai Super Kings will play the tournament opener on 22nd March against Royal Challengers Bangalore.