Batting order of MS Dhoni throughout the current IPL 2025 season is a controversial issue of debate among followers and pundits both. Especially under high pressure to chase the runs, many have wondered why the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend hits so late in the line-up. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has offered some insight on the plan, crediting Dhoni’s fitness and the demands of his position in the team.
The controversy picked up steam when MS Dhoni walked in at No. 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), only after CSK were left at 99/7 chasing a formidable 197-run target. His late entry was met with widespread criticism, with many contending that a player of his stature should bat higher.
The debate also reached its peak during CSK’s match with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), wherein despite hyping himself to No. 7, MS Dhoni came on in the 16th over itself when CSK needed 54 runs in 25 balls. Even though he hit a fiery 16 in 11 balls, it didn’t materialize, and CSK fell by six runs.
Stephen Fleming Explains Dhoni’s Entry Points
In response to mounting criticism, Stephen Fleming clarified the logic behind Dhoni’s late entry points. He emphasized that Dhoni’s physical condition and strategic decisions play a crucial role in determining when he comes out to bat.
“Yeah, it’s a time thing,” Fleming said. “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. 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 reaffirmed that Dhoni is still too important for the franchise, particularly as wicketkeeper and leader, to be inserted too early in an innings. “I said it last year [as well],” he said. “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.”
How Dhoni’s Late Entry Has Impacted CSK’s Performance?
The batting efforts of CSK have been evident this season, particularly in run chases. With no designated finisher in the middle order, the onus has often fallen on players like Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, and Ravindra Jadeja to get the job done. However, they have not consistently delivered, making Dhoni’s presence in the final overs even more critical.
A startling figure goes on to underscore the problem further—since the Impact Player rule was implemented, Dhoni hasn’t hit a solitary boundary in a winning chase. This indicates that CSK only sends him in when the game is beyond their control. In the few occasions where he has batted in an ongoing chase, he has failed to seal the deal, generating questions over whether his late arrival is hurting CSK’s prospects.
Batting Positions of MS Dhoni and CSK’s Match Outcomes in IPL 2025
Let’s take a look at Dhoni’s batting positions in recent matches and how CSK has faced:
- CSK vs. Mumbai Indians (MI): Dhoni played only 2 balls; CSK won by four wickets.
- CSK vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Batted at No. 9 in the 16th over; CSK lost by 50 runs.
- CSK vs. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Batted at No. 7 in the 16th over; CSK lost by six runs.
The pattern suggests that while Dhoni’s leadership remains invaluable, his limited batting contributions due to late entries may be restricting CSK’s finishing power.
MS Dhoni is an Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser?
There is one thing that remains unchanged, MS Dhoni’s exceptional ability to excite the crowd, no matter what the tactical choices regarding his batting. Even if he is sent to bat late, the ground throbs with excitement. Each glimpse of their dear ‘Thala,’ whether his batting average, is met with eagerly waiting crowds.
At the match against MI, when Dhoni stepped out, the Chepauk stadium came alive with thunderous cheers, revealing his unparalleled fan base. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was on the field at that time, remembered the moment, “When MS Dhoni walked out to bat, the crowd made so much noise that the match situation was almost forgotten.”
For CSK supporters, the presence of Dhoni is enough to make them rejoice. Whether he plays at No. 7 or No. 9, it is the excitement of witnessing him in action that remains as exciting as ever.
What’s Next for Dhoni and CSK?
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, it remains to be seen whether CSK will reconsider Dhoni’s batting position based on match situations. While his leadership and wicketkeeping make him irreplaceable, the debate over his role as a finisher continues.
With CSK being in a close battle for the playoffs at present, maximizing their batting lineup may be vital in deciding their destiny. The fans will be looking for a situation wherein Dhoni gets more opportunities to bat longer and exhibit his finishing skills—something similar to how he used to be known during his peak times as one of the greatest chasers in the history of cricket.
For the time being, CSK management seems satisfied with their approach. But if their run chase woes continue, the pressure to get Dhoni in earlier may become irresistible. Until then, each time he steps out to bat, fans will keep cheering, hoping to see one final masterclass from their captain cool.
