It’s time to have a conversation about Dhoni

Since the beginning of the 2024 edition of the IPL, nine of the 10 franchises have had their designated keepers either open, come at No 3 or No 4. If you are a keeper, you have to contribute with the bat and contribute big runs. You can no longer hide your keeper in the lower middle-order.

It shows. Since the beginning of the 2022 installment of the league, other teams have zoomed ahead with respect to runs scored by the designated keeper. At the top, you have Lucknow with 1477 runs (four designated keepers) across 46 innings. In last place? Chennai’s one designated keeper with 527 in 38 innings. The gap between 9th and 10th itself is yawning (Punjab Kings’ four designated keepers have made 808 in 39 outings to the crease).

A lack of quality, match-shaping runs from Dhoni’s blade has clearly been affecting the side over the last few years. It’s now beginning to show on a fairly consistent basis.

It begs the question. Is that the best use of resources?

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In T20 cricket, entry points began to gain significance over the last five years or so. Usually reserved for finishers, they would lend sufficient ballast at the death but would also be expected to come in earlier than usual on a good batting strip whether setting a target or chasing one. They can take down pace at the death but also be adept at hitting spin. Among keepers, Klaasen is the gold standard in this particular cohort.

In 2024, Klaasen came out as early as the 9th over. This is the norm among keepers across sides. It ensures dexterity and fluidity.

Dhoni’s presence means his side cannot have that flexibility anymore. “Yeah, it’s a time thing,” coach Stephen Fleming said after their loss against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday night. “MS judges it. His body is; his knees aren’t what they used to be. And he’s moving okay, but there’s still an attrition aspect to it. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick.

“So he will gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance like today, he will go a little bit earlier and he backs other players when other opportunities are up.”