Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has addressed the ongoing discussions regarding MS Dhoni’s batting position, clarifying that fans should not expect the former captain to take the crease as early as the ninth or tenth over during the IPL 2025 season. His comments came after CSK’s narrow six-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.
In the game in Guwahati, Dhoni batted at No. 7 and scored 16 runs from 11 balls while chasing a 183-run target at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. This was CSK's second successive defeat in the tournament.
During their previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Dhoni was introduced even later at No. 9 after Ravichandran Ashwin, even when the team was reeling at 80/6 in 13 overs. Even though the situation wasn't perfect for a comeback, Dhoni scored a gritty knock and was unbeaten on 30 off 16 balls with three fours and two sixes. Nevertheless, his late introduction to the innings also generated criticism from former players, commentators, and supporters.
Justifying the move, Fleming explained that the 43-year-old's knees, in fact, his general fitness, have been a determining factor in how he bats ever since he had surgery on his left knee post-IPL 2023.
"Yeah, it's a time thing. His body… 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 assess on the day what he can provide us. If the game's in the balance like today, he will go a bit earlier, and he supports other players when other chances are available. So he's weighing that," Fleming said at the post-match press conference.
Emphasizing Dhoni’s overall value to the team, the CSK coach added, “I said it last year; 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.”
Now, CSK is placed seventh on the points table with two points from three games. Their next game is against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 5.
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