A backup middle order batsman would be a good idea for CSK, opines Sanjay Manjrekar
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar opined that CSK must look to go for a back up middle order batter as he pointed out all the experience and expertise of their senior players. Manjrekar also highlighted Dhoni’s obsession to stick with the experience of aged players when it comes to leading CSK.
Having led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to three IPL titles already, MS Dhoni led the team with example in the 2019 edition as the South Indian franchise ended up as runners up. Dhoni's brain and his captaincy skills alongside the scouting unit have made the franchise a formidable unit since the first edition of the tournament.
The key to CSK’s success in the last two editions has been the experience of the senior players in their camp, something Dhoni has stuck to since the return of the franchise. Cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that with all the experience, CSK should look to secure the services of a backup batsman in the middle order as they head into the auction for IPL 2020.
"CSK have always had senior players in their squad, they have Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson at the top, they have got players like Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina at the middle, so a backup middle order batsman would be a good idea for them," Manjrekar said while speaking at Star Sports show Game plan.
"Dhoni loves to take these chances with ageing players, his leadership eventually makes a difference and if he can replicate last season's performance, it would be great for the team," he added.
Dhoni scored 416 runs at an average of 83.20 in the 15 matches he played in the previous season of the cash rich tournament. If the former India skipper is able to replicate such heroics with the bat this time around, not only his team will be able to uphold their streak of qualifying for the playoffs every season but it will also boost Dhoni’s chances, to break into the squad for T20 World Cup 2020, by multiple folds.