IPL: Decoding performance of MS Dhoni against Kolkata Knight Riders

In the IPL, Thala Dhoni has amassed 4,523 runs from 195 matches at an average of 42.66.

He also boasts a strike-rate of 137.81 in the tournament.

Notably, he is the second-highest run-scorer against KKR among the CSK players, having racked up 471 runs from 24 games at a strike-rate of 134.57.

The phenomenal tally also includes 20 sixes and 29 fours.

Dhoni has an average of 52.33 against KKR in the IPL, third-highest after JP Duminy (61.50) and Mahela Jayawardene (56.37).

In a total of 20 innings played against KKR, Dhoni has registered 11 unbeaten scores, most by a batsman (vs KKR).

He also has most number of dismissals as a wicket-keeper (15) against KKR, which includes six catches and nine stumpings.

Dhoni has often choked against spinners in the IPL.

As of now, he has managed to score only 29 runs off 59 balls by KKR spinner Sunil Narine, while Narine has dismissed him once.

Meanwhile, he has hammered leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for 46 runs from 28 balls.

However, the former has been dismissed by Kuldeep twice, so far.

The sights of former KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir surrounding a timid MS Dhoni with close-in fielders in the IPL are still afresh.

However, the Kolkata-based franchise now functions under Dinesh Karthik.

It remains to be seen which ploy he uses to uproot Dhoni.

Meanwhile, Dhoni, who still looks rusty with the bat, could promote himself up the order and go all-out.