IPL 2023: MS Dhoni should promote himself higher in the batting order – Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has urged MS Dhoni to promote himself higher in the batting order for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023. Dhoni batted at number eight against Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.

CSK was in a precarious situation at 113-6 after 15 overs, needing another 63 runs in the last five overs while chasing 176. Dhoni was able to change gears in the last two overs when 40 runs were required.

The veteran smashed two sixes in the final over against Sandeep Sharma to turn back the clock and give a glimmer of hope to the home team. Dhoni went on to score 32 runs from 17 balls with the help of one four and two sixes but CSK fell short by three runs in the end.

“I am hoping MS Dhoni promotes himself higher in the batting order. So that he gets to play more than two or three overs in the games. He can make that difference for CSK with his batting because he is capable of scoring big runs,” Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports.

On the other hand, former England skipper Eoin Morgan had a contrasting opinion and feels Dhoni might continue to bat at number eight in the upcoming matches.

“Their batting lineup is probably as strong as it’s going to be at the moment. I know he likes to put himself down the order, otherwise, we would’ve seen him promoting himself (by now). I don’t envisage him batting higher than normal at the moment. Potentially, in the playoffs, in different circumstances, he might. But I don’t see it right now. He’s the best judge of himself, and if he doesn’t feel that, it isn’t the best time,” said Morgan.

MS Dhoni has scored 58 runs in three innings he has played in the ongoing IPL 2023 and he has a strike rate of 214.81, which is the third-best in the tournament. However, Dhoni has batted at number eight in all of these three innings.

There is no doubt that there is still some fuel left in MS Dhoni’s tank and the way he is striking the ball is mesmerizing for the fans. CSK will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday.