In the current IPL 2025, MS Dhoni has batted for CSK as low as No. 9.
In Sunday’s 6-run loss against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), MS Dhoni batted as a No. 7 for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after starting at No. 9. Dhoni has batted low in the order in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, batting between No. 7 and No. 9. Many people are wondering why the team isn’t moving Thala up the order, where his explosiveness may help the team more, since he has already had a couple impressive cameos with the bat. This riddle was resolved by CSK coach Stephen Fleming following the loss to the Royals, thus ending the discussion.Fleming responded that Dhoni’s knees aren’t as good as they once were when questioned about the hot-button issue of the former India captain’s batting position. Because he also takes wickets, he cannot realistically bat for 10–12 overs throughout a match.
Fleming stated, “Yeah, it’s a time thing,” during the news conference held after the game. “MS makes the decision. His knees aren’t as good as they used to be. Additionally, there is still an attrition component even though he is going very well. He cannot bat with a full stick for ten overs.Thus, he will assess what he can provide us with on the day. When other players have opportunities, he backs them, and he will go a little earlier if the game is close, like it is today. He is therefore juggling that.
According to Fleming, Dhoni should bat in the 13th or 14th over, depending on the circumstances.
“As I mentioned last year, he is too valuable to us in terms of leadership and wicket-keeping to be thrown in nine or ten overs. To be honest, he has never done that. “Look, he’s looking to go depending on who’s in from about 13-14 overs,” he said.
