IPL 2025: CSK Coach Explains MS Dhoni’s Lower Batting Position Amid Fitness Concerns

CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed the reason behind MS Dhoni’s lower batting positions in the IPL after CSK’s loss to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.

During CSK's home defeat to RCB, MS Dhoni's decision to bat at No. 9 drew criticism from fans and experts.

Source : PTI

Nearly five years after retiring from international cricket, MS Dhoni remains one of the most followed cricketers globally. Fans eagerly anticipate the Indian Premier League (IPL) each year to watch him in action. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon has been assigned a deeper role in the batting order this season, with his lower position sparking concerns among cricket fans and experts alike. However, CSK coach Stephen Fleming stated that Dhoni's batting position is determined by timing, as his fitness is not at the level it once was.

During CSK's home defeat to RCB, MS Dhoni's decision to bat at No. 9 drew criticism from fans and experts. In the following match against Rajasthan Royals, he was promoted to No. 7, scoring 16 off 11 balls before being dismissed in the final over as CSK fell short by six runs. Addressing the media after the match, Stephen Fleming acknowledged that Dhoni’s knees are not as strong as before, limiting his ability to bat for extended periods. 

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"It's a time thing. MS judges it. His body, his knees aren't what they used to be. He's moving okay but there's still a nutrition aspect to it. He can't bat 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us," Fleming said as quoted by PTI.

Dhoni's Leadership & Wicket-Keeping Too Valuable For CSK: CSK Coach

The CSK coach explained that Dhoni times his entry based on the match situation, preferring to bat around the 13-14 over mark. He emphasised Dhoni's leadership and wicketkeeping value, stating that the veteran backs other players early in the innings but steps in when the game is in the balance.

"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. I said it last year, he's too valuable to us, (with his) leadership and wicket keeping, to throw him in at 9- 10 overs. He's actually never done that. So look, from around 13, 14 overs he's looking to go, depending on who's in,” Fleming added.