MS Dhoni’s late arrival at the crease during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) matches in IPL 2025 has left fans puzzled. While the Chepauk crowd erupted in joy when Thala walked out to bat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), questions arose about his batting position. Dhoni’s quickfire 30 off 16 balls wasn’t enough to change the game’s outcome, and his lower-order batting position is becoming a point of concern for CSK’s struggling campaign.
After CSK’s narrow six-run loss against Rajasthan Royals (RR), head coach Stephen Fleming finally addressed the elephant in the room – Dhoni’s ongoing knee struggles post his 2023 surgery.
MS Dhoni : Dhoni’s Knees Giving Up? CSK Coach Explains Why Thala is Batting Lower in IPL 2025
Why is Dhoni Batting Down the Order in IPL 2025?
Stephen Fleming revealed that Dhoni, now 43, is carefully managing his fitness, particularly his knees, which have not been the same after surgery in 2023. While Dhoni’s mind remains sharp as ever, his body doesn’t allow him to sustain long innings anymore.
“Yeah, it’s a time thing,” Fleming explained. “MS judges it. His knees aren’t what they used to be. He’s moving okay, but there’s still an attrition aspect to it. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick. So he gauges on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance, he’ll go a little earlier, but he backs other players when other opportunities are up. So he’s balancing that.”
Dhoni’s Knee Struggles Post-2023 Surgery
Dhoni underwent knee surgery after IPL 2023, which has impacted his ability to move freely and maintain peak performance over extended periods. Although he has managed to regain fitness, Fleming emphasized that Dhoni can no longer sustain long stays at the crease.
This explains why Dhoni has been coming in to bat after the 14th over, assessing the match situation before deciding when to step in. His body may not allow him to bat for long, but his instinct to finish games remains undiminished.
Dhoni’s Performance in IPL 2025 So Far
Despite his limited time at the crease, Dhoni has shown glimpses of his vintage self in IPL 2025.
- vs RCB: Dhoni came in at No. 9 and smashed 30* off 16 balls, including 3 sixes and 2 fours, but couldn’t steer CSK to victory.
- vs RR: Batting at No. 7, Dhoni scored 16 off 11 balls, trying to accelerate the chase, but fell short as CSK lost by six runs.
Even with limited opportunities, Dhoni’s strike rate remains impressive, but the late entry has made it difficult for him to influence the game’s outcome.
Fleming Defends Dhoni’s Role in CSK Line-Up
With criticism pouring in from former cricketers like Virender Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary, who believe that Dhoni should bat higher due to his ability to play at a strike rate of 190, Fleming was quick to defend the CSK legend’s current role.
“I said it last year as well – he’s too valuable to us in terms of leadership and wicket-keeping to throw him in at nine or ten 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 stated.
Dhoni’s impact goes beyond just his batting. His leadership, wicket-keeping, and ability to guide younger players remain invaluable assets for CSK, which is why Fleming insists on preserving Dhoni’s body for the crucial stages of the game.
Attempt Against Rajasthan Royals: A Glimpse of Vintage Dhoni
In the match against RR, Dhoni came in at No. 7 with 54 runs needed off the final 4.1 overs. He struggled initially against CSK’s former spinner Maheesh Theekshana, but his class showed in the penultimate over as he struck a boundary and a six off Tushar Deshpande.
However, Dhoni’s late heroics were not enough, as he fell in the final over with CSK falling six runs short of the target. While his cameo entertained the fans, it also highlighted how Dhoni’s batting position might be impacting CSK’s ability to finish games.
Why Dhoni’s Experience and Leadership Are Still Vital for CSK
Even if Dhoni can’t bat for longer durations, his leadership and cricketing mind continue to guide CSK through tricky situations. His sharp stumpings and game awareness behind the stumps remain a testament to his brilliance.
“He’s too valuable to us – leadership and wicket-keeping – to throw him in nine or ten overs,” Fleming reiterated.
Dhoni’s experience in high-pressure situations ensures that CSK always has a plan, even when the chips are down.
CSK’s Struggles Without Dhoni Higher Up the Order
CSK’s lack of finishing power in IPL 2025 has been evident, with their middle order failing to deliver consistently. With two losses in three games, CSK’s inability to close out matches has put them on the back foot early in the tournament.
- Loss vs RCB: A 50-run defeat highlighted CSK’s batting collapse.
- Loss vs RR: A narrow six-run loss where Dhoni almost pulled off a miracle, but fell short.
CSK will need to figure out a way to utilize Dhoni’s explosive batting while also preserving his body for the crucial stages of the tournament.
When Will Dhoni Bat Higher in the Line-Up?
While fans are eager to see Dhoni walk out to bat earlier, Fleming made it clear that Dhoni himself is the best judge of his condition.
“So he’ll gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance, he’ll go a little earlier,” said Fleming.
Until Dhoni feels ready to take on longer batting stints, CSK will continue to rely on his finishing abilities in the death overs.
Dhoni’s Role Remains Crucial Despite Knee Woes
Though MS Dhoni’s knees may not be what they once were, his presence in the CSK camp remains indispensable. His lower-order cameos, combined with his leadership and sharp wicket-keeping, continue to play a crucial role for Chennai Super Kings.
As IPL 2025 progresses, CSK fans will hope that Thala can strike the perfect balance between managing his body and providing those unforgettable finishing moments once again.
FAQs
Why is MS Dhoni batting so low in IPL 2025?
Dhoni is managing his knee condition after undergoing surgery in 2023, which limits his ability to bat for long periods
Will Dhoni move up the order in IPL 2025?
Stephen Fleming mentioned that Dhoni assesses his fitness and may move up the order if the game situation demands it.
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