For the past couple of IPL seasons, MS Dhoni has been batting lower down the order for Chennai Super Kings. The former CSK captain recently explained that a combination of factors, including a knee injury in IPL 2022, the presence of CSK teammates in contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad in IPL 2023, and the strong performances of those batting above him, meant there was no need for him to be promoted up the order.
However, during an IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, Dhoni’s entry at No. 9 left several former Indian cricketers, including two ex-CSK players, puzzled given the match situation. CSK, playing at home, needed 98 runs off 28 deliveries when Dhoni walked in midway through the 16th over after Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed for 11 off 8 balls by Phil Salt.
Considering MS Dhoni’s batting prowess and his credentials as a far more accomplished batter than Ashwin, the decision has been widely questioned. While the contest seemed beyond CSK’s reach, Dhoni could have at least helped improve the team’s net run-rate with an earlier arrival at the crease.
“I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team,” wrote former CSK allrounder Irfan Pathan on X (formerly Twitter). Pathan, who was part of the CSK squad in 2015, expressed his disagreement with the move.
Another ex-CSK cricketer, Robin Uthappa, echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “Important win for RCB. A win at the fortress in Chepauk will be a huge boost in their campaign this year. Dhoni coming at number 9 didn’t make sense at all. Him coming earlier could have helped CSK’s NRR in their campaign this year.”
Despite the late entry, Dhoni showcased his batting abilities by smashing three fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 16-ball 30, guiding CSK to 146/8 in their chase of 197. The decision regarding his batting position, however, remains a talking point among cricketing experts and fans alike.
