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Having struggled with a knee problem in the last couple of seasons, Dhoni has been limiting his role with the bat, even choosing to come down as low as No 8 to ensure he gets only a handful of deliveries to face. (Sportzpics)
As Chennai Super Kings walked out of the auction room, the immediate question was where do they fit in MS Dhoni. Having already acquired Urvil Patel mid-way through the last season, CSK got hold of Sanju Samson as their ideal, long-term replacement for the 44-year-old. And at the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi bought uncapped 19-year-old Kartik Sharma, a hard-hitting batsman who can slot lower down the order as a finisher going forward.
With four wicketkeepers in the squad, CSK are not short on options and the resources in the squad indicates the franchise has plans in place for the eventual transition. Having struggled with a knee problem in the last couple of seasons, Dhoni has been limiting his role with the bat, even choosing to come down as low as No 8 to ensure he gets only a handful of deliveries to face. All of this happened with CSK not having a good wicketkeeper in place.
Now with three in the squad, and Samson being a sure starter, one of Urvil and Kartik capable of making the XI as a specialist batsman, whether CSK continue to bank on Dhoni will be interesting to see. Having committed to play next season, Dhoni has an option of coming in as an Impact Player. With a young team at disposal, CSK have a lot to gain from Dhoni behind the stumps than in the front. With at least five of their potential XII being in the age-group between 18-23, Dhoni will be needed to guide the young brigade that the franchise has invested in. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad is the designated captain, that Dhoni still helps the former when it comes to field placements and planning in crunch situations has been a common theme in the last couple of seasons. In fact, after his maiden ODI century at Raipur, Ruturaj even said, “there is just one boss in CSK” referring to Dhoni. The story could continue this season where when batting, CSK might opt for a batsman in place of Dhoni as Impact Player.
If they go with Dhoni to keep wickets, say in the chase as an Impact Player, it would mean letting go of a chance to play an extra bowler. And that would come down to Dhoni’s superior cricketing intelligence and guidance vs a bowler – what would CSK choose?
As things stand, it is not clear whether Dhoni will be a sure starter. While Dhoni has been practising regularly back home in Ranchi, whether he decides to feature in all the games is likely to be decided only closer to the tournament depending on where he stands in terms of fitness and form. However, unlike before, CSK have options to fall back on in case Dhoni isn’t in a position to start.
Speaking at the end of the auction, head coach Stephen Fleming said Samson has been brought in because Dhoni would ultimately move on. “The opportunity was there,” Fleming said. “We felt we were still a little bit light in our opening batting. And we were also looking at [the fact that] at some point MS will move on. Sanju is an international-quality player and he fills that role very well, so succession planning. And just opportunity really, just again looking at refreshing and seeing what Chennai will look like in six years’ time, not two years’ time. And just making sure that there’s a succession [plan] around the players we are introducing,” Fleming said.
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