5 possible reasons behind MS Dhoni's struggles with the bat lately

#5 Oppositions challenging his off side game

Opposition captains are challenging Dhoni's off side game

Dhoni's approach when he comes out to bat is not flexible, the opposition captain knows how he will go about his business. He is usually a slow starter in the beginning and if set, flourishes in the later part of the innings. His inability to hit the ball through the off side is well documented and because of which, he usually struggles against the spinners who get the ball to turn away from him.

Against the quick bowlers, it feels as if, the only boundary option he has, is in the situation of bowler bowling a short ball where he can bring hook or pull shot into effect. Making use of his off side shortcomings, the pacers have started bowling wide yorkers to him such that his run scoring opportunities are cut down.

The opposition have their plans sorted out. If Dhoni wants to replicate his earlier success, then he has to be flexible in his approach. He needs to keep on surprising the opposition by doing things that they don't expect him to do.