Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans were left puzzled during the recent IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) when MS Dhoni walked in to bat at number nine. Despite being the second-highest scorer for his team with a quickfire 30 runs off 16 balls, many fans couldn’t help but wonder why didn’t Dhoni come in earlier? Could CSK have scored more runs or even won the match if their legendary finisher had batted higher up the order?
What Happened in the Match Against RCB?
In the match, CSK struggled to build momentum, and their batting lineup looked shaky. Openers Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra failed to deliver a strong start, while Deepak Hooda at number four also disappointed. All rounder Sam Curran, batting at number five, couldn’t make a significant impact either.
When CSK was in dire straits, fans expected Dhoni to step in at number seven or eight to turn the game around. However, he came in at number nine, after Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, leaving many disappointed. Dhoni played a fiery knock of 30 runs off 16 balls, showcasing his trademark finishing skills, but it wasn’t enough to take CSK over the line.
Dhoni’s Earlier Explanation Goes Viral
To understand why Dhoni batted so low, fans are revisiting an interview he gave on Jio Hotstar before the 2024 IPL. In that interview, Dhoni explained his decision to bat lower in the order during the 2024 season. He said:
– “I had a knee problem last year, and I wanted to give opportunities to players like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, who were competing for spots in the Indian T20 World Cup squad.”
– “If they perform well in the top order, it benefits both CSK and the Indian team. I’m not competing for that spot anymore.”
Dhoni emphasized that his role was to support the team by playing lower down the order, allowing younger players to shine.
However, this explanation doesn’t seem to fit the current scenario in IPL 2025. Dhoni’s knee condition has reportedly improved, and there’s no major international tournament coming up for India. Fans are now questioning why he chose to bat at number nine instead of stepping up earlier to rescue CSK.
Why Are Fans Disappointed?
1. Missed Opportunity: Had Dhoni come in earlier, his explosive batting could have changed the course of the match. His strike rate of 187.50 yesterday was the highest among CSK’s batsmen, proving he’s still one of the best finishers in the game.
2. Team Selection Doubts: Fans are pointing out that Ravindra Jadeja has retired from international T20 cricket, and Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from all formats of international cricket. So, why is Dhoni giving them priority over his own batting position?
3. Struggling Top Order: CSK’s top order has been underwhelming in IPL 2025. Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda haven’t delivered consistent performances, and relying heavily on Sam Curran’s all round abilities isn’t helping either. A full time finisher like Dhoni could provide stability to the middle order.
What Should CSK Do Moving Forward?
With the team struggling to find balance, here are a few suggestions fans are proposing:
– Promote Dhoni Higher: Given his form and ability to hit sixes under pressure, Dhoni should bat at number six or seven. This would allow him to play a longer innings and maximize his impact.
– Strengthen the Middle Order: Instead of depending on all rounders like Sam Curran, CSK could bring in a specialist finisher to stabilize the lower middle order.
– Reevaluate Player Roles: While giving opportunities to players like Jadeja and Ashwin is important, CSK needs to prioritize winning matches in a competitive IPL season.
Final Thoughts
Dhoni’s decision to bat at number nine has sparked a heated debate among fans. While his performance against RCB proved he’s still capable of turning games around, his delayed entry into the match cost CSK valuable runs. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, fans are hoping MS Dhoni will take charge earlier and lead his team to victory.
Do you think Dhoni should bat higher in the order? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 and CSK’s journey this season.