PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021: High time MS Dhoni ‘The Batsman’ delivers as Chennai Super Kings takes on Punjab Kings

PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021 – Will MS Dhoni ‘The Batsman’ come good? It’s been very long since MS Dhoni ‘The Batsman’ delivered for Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni has crossed 30 only once in last 10 games, doesn’t have a 50 since last 19 matches, was out without scoring in the 1st match vs Delhi Capitals – will Dhoni come good against Punjab Kings.

PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021 – Will MS Dhoni ‘The Batsman’ come good? Some says MS Dhoni “The Batsman” has now become the talk of the past. Regarded as one of the greatest finishers of the game, he is now arguably the biggest weak-link in Chennai’s batting line-up. The lack of game-time only worsened things for the veteran batsman who is now way past his prime. Eyes will once again be on him when rusty Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on formidable Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday.

IPL 2021: Gautam Gambhir’s big advice for MS Dhoni

Gautam Gambhir during the Star Sports Cricket Live said: “He is not the MS Dhoni, which he used to be probably four or five years back, where he could just come in and start taking on the bowlers from the word go. For me, I think he needs to bat at number four/ five. Nothing below that”

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PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021: Is it game over for Dhoni – the batsman?

Dhoni looked sharp during the pre-season training. He was seen raining sixes and wreaking havoc against CSK bowlers. But it was not the same story in CSK’s opening match against Delhi Capitals.

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The CSK skipper in the 15th over was dismissed for a duck, the first time for him in 14 years, by a brilliant delivery by uncapped Avesh Khan. Interestingly, this scene now seems like a short clip running on repeat.

• Dhoni in his last 10 IPL games, has only once managed to cross the 30-run mark.
• Thrice has Dhoni walked back with a single-digit to his name.
• On seven occasions, Dhoni has failed to cross score above 20.

The slump in form has become a headache for the team. While there have been old-Dhoni cameos once in a while, CSK would love to see it on a more regular basis.

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PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021: Is there any solution to help Dhoni return to top-form?

Gone are the days when Dhoni at No.7 would have given opposition bowlers nightmares. Today, he takes his sweet time to settle before switching to top gear. But the problem is, Dhoni normally makes his appearance in tight situations and therefore is required to start hitting from the word go. However, his lack of accelerating the innings puts pressure on other batsmen.

The team management can try to promote him to a higher position like a No.4 in the batting order. It is true that the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, who are better power-hitters than him (currently), will be pushed a position lower. But the fact that the longer Dhoni stays on the pitch, the better cannot be ignored as well.

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Also, if the top-order fails, the former Indian captain can be a good anchor and hence provide a free hand to the likes of Suresh Raina and others.

CSK is unlikely to make any changes to its playing XI but they have been experimenting with their batting order. It will be interesting to see if Dhoni promotes himself in top order or not.

PBKS vs CSK in IPL 2021: When and at what time is Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings live?

PBKS vs CSK LIVE in IPL 2021 will be played on Friday at 7:30 pm.