MS Dhoni's Batting Position Sparks Debate As CSK Coach Stephen Fleming Throws Light On Decision

MS Dhoni thrilled a packed Chepauk crowd last Friday with an explosive knock of 30* off 16 balls, featuring three sixes and two boundaries. However, his decision to bat at No. 9 for Chennai Super Kings in their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru drew criticism.

By the time Dhoni arrived at the crease, Chennai's chase was already out of reach, and despite his fireworks, the visitors secured a comfortable victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Photo Credit: PTI

Three days later, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the growing debate, explaining that Dhoni is unlikely to bat earlier unless there are at least 6-7 overs remaining.

Speaking to the media on Monday after Chennai suffered their second consecutive defeat in IPL 2025, Fleming revealed that Dhoni's ongoing struggles with a knee injury-one for which he underwent surgery in 2023-limit his ability to bat higher in the order. His position in the batting line-up will, therefore, be dictated by both match conditions and his fitness.

"Yeah, it's a time thing," Fleming said.

"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. So he's balancing that."

Dhoni a Burden for CSK?

When asked whether Dhoni's fitness concerns have made him a liability for CSK, Fleming dismissed such claims, stressing his continued value to the team.

"I said it last year [as well], he's too valuable to us - leadership and wicket-keeping - to throw him in nine, ten overs. He has actually never done that. So, look, from around 13-14 overs, he's looking to go depending on who's in."

Dhoni Bats at No. 7 Against Rajasthan Royals

Following the criticism, Dhoni came in at No. 7 during CSK's match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, with 54 runs required from the final 4.1 overs.

However, he was unable to turn the game around in the chase of 183.

Struggling initially, he found it difficult to score against former CSK spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who conceded just six runs in the 18th over. Dhoni later struck a boundary and a six in the penultimate over against Tushar Deshpande, another former CSK player.

Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, he brought the equation down to 20 runs needed off the final over. However, he was dismissed by Sandeep Sharma once again, as Chennai fell short by six runs.