IPL 2025: Why is MS Dhoni batting at No. 9 for CSK? Stephen Fleming explains the reason

MS Dhoni, 43, is playing his 18th season in the IPL.

Fans are baffled as to why MS Dhoni is batting lower in the order in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were defeated by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati by just six runs, attention was once again drawn to Dhoni’s batting position.

Many thought that the legendary cricketer ought to have started the game earlier to lead the batting in their IPL 2025 encounter against RR, who had already dropped back-to-back games. In the close chase of 183, Dhoni batted at number seven and scored 16 runs off of 11 balls.

The urgent question has finally been addressed by CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. Fleming explained that fans shouldn’t expect Dhoni to bat 9–10 overs, even when CSK are under pressure in the tournament. He also revealed that Dhoni has a strategic reason for dropping down the order.

MS Dhoni judges, his body is…: Stephen Fleming on CSK legend is batting so low

MS Dhoni came in earlier against the RR than he did in his last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, when he was ranked as low as number 9. The choice to put the renowned wicket-keeper batter at number seven nonetheless caused controversy among cricket fans and analysts, despite the little shift in his batting position.

“Yeah, it’s a time thing. 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 ten overs running full-stick. So, he will gauge on the day what he can give us,” Fleming said in a post-match press conference.

Fleming stated that before deciding on the batting order, the team management closely assesses the situation. The head coach further stated that younger players are taking control early in the innings since Dhoni is being used as a finisher rather than an anchor.  

The coach admitted that this tactic is the best way to take advantage of Dhoni’s power striking at the finish, but it may appear risky to fans who are used to seeing him lead the chase from the middle overs.

“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 [as well]; he’s too valuable to us—leadership and wicket-keeping—to throw him in nine or ten overs. He has never done that. So, look, from around 13-14 overs, he’s looking to go depending on who’s in,” he added.

CSK’s next match in the tournament will be against Delhi Capitals on April 5 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.

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