Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar said on Saturday that MS Dhoni could contribute more to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) if he resumes captaincy in IPL 2025. Refusing to engage in the debate about whether Dhoni should bat higher up the order, Manjrekar argued that the World Cup winner is currently being underutilised by the five-time champions.
Manjrekar’s comments came after CSK faced severe criticism for sending Dhoni in at No. 9 during their unsuccessful chase of 197 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, March 28. At 80 for 6 in the 13th over, following Shivam Dube’s dismissal, CSK opted to send R Ashwin to bat instead of Dhoni. With the required run rate already over 15, the situation worsened when Ashwin was dismissed for an 8-ball 11 in the 16th over.
Dhoni’s decision to hold himself back when the team was in crisis left many fans disappointed, with some criticising the 43-year-old for not taking greater responsibility.
“I will look at the larger picture,” Manjrekar told JioStar when asked whether Dhoni should bat higher in the order.
“If you look at this year and even last year, Dhoni is playing more as a brand than as a player. When they select the playing XI, they don’t pick an extra batter because MS is there. MS Dhoni is a bonus for them. He has a different role.
“That’s why I think if MS Dhoni is playing and batting so late, he should be the captain. He is doing great as a wicketkeeper, but he would contribute more as captain. Right now, he is being under-utilised,” he added.
