There has been ongoing chatter in the cricket world about MS Dhoni's declining ability to hit big sixes, especially after he struggled to finish games last year despite good starts from his teammates. However, this season's Indian T20 League has revealed a different side of him—one that feels much more like the vintage Dhoni we all remember. Across eight innings, he has racked up 358 runs with a staggering average of 119.33. This is the highest average in the league this year, leaving Andre Russell in second place with a significantly lower 69.42.Indian T20 League this year. In a total of eight innings this season, Dhoni has amassed 358 runs at a mind-boggling average of 119.33. It is the highest average for any batsman this season. The next best is Andre Russell with a distant figure of 69.42.
His impressive run tally is bolstered by three half-centuries, including a standout unbeaten 84. Beyond the runs, he has been incredibly difficult for bowlers to get out, falling only three times in his eight appearances this season.
What is truly remarkable is his adaptability; whether batting at number 4, 5, or 6, his consistency hasn't wavered. Most impressively, he hasn't even recorded a single-digit score yet. His lowest outings were a modest 12 against Mumbai and 16 against Kolkata; every other time he stepped onto the pitch, he managed to score 30 runs or more.
The veteran captain has proven nearly impossible to dismiss in the closing stages of the game. He was only caught out twice during the death overs: once against Rajasthan in the final over after already smashing 58 runs, and once against Kolkata in the 16th, which was the only time he was dismissed before really putting the opposition under pressure.
When looking at the crucial window between overs 15 and 20, Dhoni ranks third in total runs, trailing only Andre Russell and Hardik Pandya. His strike rate of 172.79 proves he is still a nightmare for bowlers at the end of an innings. This level of form is a great sign for India heading into next month's World Cup. Pairing Dhoni with Hardik Pandya could create a lethal combination for dismantling bowling attacks in the final overs during the tournament in England.
Written by: Prasenjit Dey