Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni, Who Has Been The Better Finisher In IPL?
MS Dhoni & Russell have the legendary finishers in IPL (x.com)
The Indian Premier League has witnessed some of the greatest power hitters ever gracing the game. Two such legends of the game are Andre Russell and MS Dhoni. Russell and Dhoni have bailed out their teams from pressure over the years.
Andre Russell's IPL career started at the Delhi Daredevils (now the Delhi Capitals) in 2012. However, he came to prominence as a power hitter and finisher when he joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. The 'Purple Army' has shown great faith in him as a finisher, and Russell has often repaid it.
On the other hand is MS Dhoni. While Russell is known for his brute power and ability to destroy bowling attacks, MSD has earned his reputation as a great game reader. The Indian legend is adept at reading the match situation, adjusting his game according to that, taking the game as deep as possible, and then dealing with the final blow.
Both styles of play have seen their share of successes and failures. But often, the fanbases of KKR and CSK have argued about who is the better finisher.
In this article, we will answer this question analytically, using the same method we used to compare Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But in this case more weightage will be given to dot percentage as for a finisher it is important to keep the scoreboard running while taking the game deep.
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni - IPL Batting Efficiency
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni in general IPL Stats (Source: OneCricket)
The stats show us that, barring the dot ball percentage, Russell has a better overall stat than MS Dhoni in the IPL. However, the batting efficiency of MS Dhoni is 89.38, while that of Russell is 77.28. So, when overall IPL records are considered, CSK-skipper wins this round.
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni - IPL Batting Efficiency in Death Overs
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni IPL Stats Comparison in the death-overs (Source: OneCricket)
When the efficiency of the two batters in the death overs are considered, the number stands at 55.26 for Andre Russell, while for MS Dhoni it is 61.56. So, MSD is the more efficient batter when it comes to batting in the last four overs.
Andre Russell vs MSD - IPL Batting Efficiency in the Winning Causes
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni IPL Stats Comparison in the Won Matches (Source: OneCricket)
The batting efficiency for Russell in winning causes is 78, while that of MS Dhoni is 93.36. This shows that MS Dhoni has been more efficient in leading his team to a win than Andre Russell.
Andre Russell vs MSD - IPL Batting Efficiency in the Death Overs of Won Matches
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni IPL stats in the death overs of Won Matches (Source: x.com)
The death-over efficiency of MS Dhoni is the death-overs of won matches is 63.88, while that of the Andre Russell is 48.22. So, the Indian legend has been the more efficient match-winner.
Andre Russell vs MSD - IPL Batting Efficiency in Playoffs and Finals
Andre Russell vs MS Dhoni IPL Stats in Death Overs of Playoffs and Finals (Source: x.com)
The death over efficiency of the MS Dhoni in the playoffs and finals is 85.84, while that of Andre Russell is 75.76. So, in this case also, MS Dhoni wins agains Andre Rusell as a finisher.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to the better finisher between MS Dhoni and Andre Russell, the CSK legend emerges the winners by a 5-0 margin. MSD's game reading ability and adapting himself to the situation has often been cricticised, but is the biggest plus point of the man. He has followed the methods and led his teams to win on numerous occasions.