Calls for Mahendra Singh Dhoni batting higher up the order have grown after Sunday but Michael Clarke feels the former Chennai Super Kings captain will continue to bat at No.8 and will only promote himself if the game “is on the line”.
Dhoni’s unbeaten 37 off 16 balls against Delhi Capitals did not prove to be enough for victory but his loyal fans believe the outcome would have been different had he batted higher up the order.
Clarke, who like Dhoni is a World Cup-winning captain, said the Indian legend will continue to perform the finisher’s role.
“I don’t think he will. I think he’ll stay where he is. I think every MS Dhoni fan wants to see him as high up the order as possible. We’ve all said throughout his career, he should open the batting,” the Australian told Star Sports.
“But he’s at a stage of his career where he’s down from the captaincy. I don’t think he’ll come up the order. I think if there’s a game on the line and he needs to go up the order because it’s what’s best for the team, I’m sure he will.”
Dhoni’s whirlwind knock in the middle included three sixes and four boundaries. One of the sixes was unleashed one-handed over mid-wicket in the 20th over.
“...just because he’s hitting the ball so well, I don’t think you’ll see him batting in the top five or top six. I think he’s a genius at the dance. He’s probably the best finisher I’ve ever seen,” Clarke added.
