MS Dhoni’s decision to bat at No. 9 during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has sparked debate among fans and experts. The move was unexpected, especially given Dhoni’s reputation as one of cricket’s greatest finishers.

The Match Situation

CSK was chasing a target of 197 set by RCB. However, the team found itself in deep trouble at 99/7, requiring 98 runs from just 28 balls when Dhoni finally walked in.

This was only the second time in his T20 career that Dhoni batted at No. 9, the first being in IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings. The decision has raised questions about CSK’s approach and Dhoni’s role in the batting order.

Expert Reactions

Several former cricketers and analysts have criticized the move:

• Manoj Tiwary questioned the CSK management’s decision, suggesting that the support staff may be hesitant to advise Dhoni on his batting position.

• Robin Uthappa argued that Dhoni should have batted earlier, as it could have improved CSK’s net run rate and overall tournament standing.

• Irfan Pathan expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating that Dhoni’s experience and finishing ability were needed much earlier in the innings.

• Virender Sehwag reacted with sarcasm, joking that Dhoni “came out to bat early,” highlighting how unusual the situation was.

Possible Reasons for Dhoni’s Late Entry

There could be several factors influencing this strategy:

• Team Strategy: CSK may have planned for Dhoni to serve as a finisher, coming in during the final overs to maximize his impact.

• Match Situation: The team’s early collapse might have led to a reshuffling of the batting order, prioritizing players who could stabilize the innings.

• Fitness and Workload Management: At 43 years old, Dhoni may be pacing himself, ensuring he remains effective throughout the tournament.

What Next for CSK and Dhoni?

While the decision to send Dhoni so late has raised concerns, only CSK’s management and Dhoni himself know the true reasoning behind it. The bigger question remains—will this strategy continue, or will CSK reconsider their batting order in upcoming matches?

Regardless of when he bats, one thing is certain: Dhoni’s presence at the crease will always be a focal point of any match.

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