MS Dhoni Likely Injured? CSK Coach Stephen Fleming Provides Concerning Update

Why MS Dhoni is batting lower in the order in the current IPL 2025 has left fans perplexed. The focus once again shifted to MS Dhoni's batting stance after the Chennai Super Kings lost to the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati by a mere six runs.

In their IPL 2025 match against the Rajasthan Royals, who have already lost back-to-back games, many believed that the great cricketer should have entered the game earlier to lead the batting. Dhoni came to bat at No. 7 and struck 16 runs off 11 balls amid the tight chase of 183.

Stephen Fleming, the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, has finally spoken up and answered the pressing query.

Stephen Fleming reveals why MS Dhoni is batting so low in the CSK batting order

Stephen Fleming, the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, has finally spoken up and answered the pressing query. Even when the CSK is under pressure in the tournament, Fleming clarified that supporters shouldn't anticipate MS Dhoni to bat 9–10 overs and disclosed that he has a strategic decision behind his coming down the order.

In contrast to his previous appearance against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he was ranked as low as No. 9, MS Dhoni entered the game sooner against the Rajasthan Royals.

CSK fans unhappy with team management

Despite the slight shift in his batting position, the choice to put the renowned wicketkeeper-batter at number seven caused controversy among cricket fans and analysts.

“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 clarified that before choosing the batting order, the team management thoroughly evaluates the circumstances. The head coach added that younger players are taking over sooner in the innings because Dhoni is being employed as a finisher rather than an anchor.

MS Dhoni judges…: Stephen Fleming on CSK’s strategy

The coach acknowledged that this strategy is the ideal method to take advantage of Dhoni's power striking at the end, but it may look hazardous to supporters accustomed to watching 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 actually never done that. So, look, from around 13-14 overs, he’s looking to go depending on who’s in,” he added.

CSK will next face Delhi Capitals in the tournament on April 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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