Why is MS Dhoni batting at No. 9? CSK coach Stephen Fleming explains after loss to Royals | Cricket News – The Times of India

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming explained why MS Dhoni bats lower down the order, citing physical limitations particularly his knee condition, after CSK‘s 6-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 on Sunday. Dhoni, who has been batting between positions 7 to 9 this season, came in at number 7 in this match.
Fleming addressed the widespread curiosity about Dhoni’s batting position in the post-match press conference, revealing it’s primarily due to managing his physical condition while balancing his wicketkeeping duties.
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“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. 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,” Fleming explained.
The CSK coach indicated that the team prefers Dhoni to bat from the 13th or 14th over onwards, depending on match situations.
“I said it last year [as well], 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,” Fleming stated.
Clearly, despite playing quick-fire knocks this season, Dhoni’s role as a leader and wicketkeeper takes precedence over his batting contributions for CSK in IPL 2025.