IPL 2023: Coach Stephen Fleming Explains Why MS Dhoni Has Batted At Number 8 For Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni fans all over the world, who are aware that they are most likely seeing the last of 4-time IPL winning captain as a player, have been left frustrated by Dhoni coming out to bat at number 8.

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming breaks silence on why MS Dhoni walks out to bat at an unusual batting position.

Source : PTI

Chennai Super Kings failed to chase down the target in their latest Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 fixture against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday (April 27). Chasing a target of 203 runs for the win, Chennai got bundled up for 170 runs after losing 6 wickets and suffered a 32-run defeat, their third defeat in eight matches in 2023 season of IPL. MS Dhoni fans all over the world, who are aware that they are most likely seeing the last of four-time IPL winning captain as a player, have been left frustrated by Dhoni coming out to bat at number eight. Still, the legendary wicketkeeper has displayed fine form whenever he gets a chance.

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming believes that there is no need to change the batting order as things are going right. He also broke silence on why MS Dhoni walks out to bat at an unusual batting position.

"The set roles are very important. (Ajinkya) Rahane has been great for us at No. 3. We don't mess with things that are going well. It was just today we came up against a team that took the pace off the ball. We couldn't get any real momentum in the first six overs. Devon Conway, who is in outstanding form, couldn't get underway. The rhythm of the innings was slow. When we tried to catch the game up, we made mistakes," said Fleming during the post-match press conference.

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Dwayne Bravo had defended Dhoni's decision to bat at number eight.

"That is the position he has to bat. Everyone is batting higher than him and he takes that responsibility and ownership upon himself to bat lower down the order because the likes of Jadeja, Rayudu, and Dube, he wants to give these guys as many opportunities as possible. He is happy to just play the finishing role," Bravo said in the pre-match press conference.