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MS Dhoni’s batting position in the ongoing IPL 2025 season has become a major talking point among fans and experts alike. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter has been coming in lower down the order, raising questions about why he isn’t being sent in earlier despite his ability to strike the ball cleanly.
After CSK’s narrow six-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR), head coach Stephen Fleming finally addressed the speculation surrounding Dhoni’s batting position, providing clarity on the matter.
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Why Is MS Dhoni Batting Lower in IPL 2025?
In the current season, Dhoni has been batting between No. 7 and No. 9, mostly playing quick cameos towards the end of innings. Fans, eager to see the legendary player in action, have even been seen cheering for CSK wickets just to see Dhoni walk out to bat.
However, Fleming revealed that Dhoni’s batting position is not a strategic decision but a necessity due to his physical limitations. The 43-year-old veteran is carefully managing his fitness, particularly his knees, which are not in the best condition.
“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 10 overs running full-stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us,” Fleming explained in the post-match press conference.
The CSK head coach also emphasized that Dhoni’s leadership and wicketkeeping are crucial for the team, making it unwise to push him up the order unnecessarily.
“I said it last year as well—he’s too valuable to us—leadership and wicketkeeping—to throw him in for 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 Struggles in IPL 2025
Meanwhile, the five-time IPL champions are yet to find their rhythm in the tournament. With two losses in their first three matches, CSK currently sits in the seventh position on the points table. They will need to bounce back quickly to stay in contention for the playoffs.
With Dhoni’s calculated approach to his batting role, CSK fans will hope that he can still produce match-winning moments in the crucial stages of the tournament.
