'He can't bat 10 overs' - CSK coach Stephen Fleming breaks silence on MS Dhoni's batting position after their loss vs RR

The Chennai Super Kings batting stalwart MS Dhoni left fans thrilled to bits on March 28 when he racked up an incredible 30 off 16 balls, featuring three boundaries and two towering sixes against RCB in the Indian Premier League 2025. Despite that, the former CSK skipper faced a strong backlash from the cricketing fraternity as he arrived to bat at number nine.

In the same vein, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming breaks the silence on MS Dhoni's batting position, stating that the former India skipper is unlikely to make a way out of more than ten overs left.

While speaking in the press conference after their second loss to Rajasthan Royals in 2025, Fleming disclosed that Dhoni is still struggling with a knee injury, for which he can't play over ten overs alongside batting higher in the order. Fleming clarified that MS Dhoni's position will be fully decided by the game situation while keeping his fitness in mind.

"It's a time thing - MS judges it. His knees aren't what they used to be. He's moving OK, but there's still an attrition aspect to it. He can't bat 10 overs running full stick, so he will gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game's in the balance, he will go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. It's about balancing that. I said last year he's too valuable and leadership-wise to throw him in after nine or 10 overs - he's never done that," said Fleming. 

What was MS Dhoni's batting position in CSK vs. RR? IPL 2025 game?

After the strong backlash and criticism, MS Dhoni was seen walking out at number seven on March 31 during their game against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The CSK was in need of 54 runs with 4.1 overs. However, MS Dhoni failed to make any difference while chasing their target of 183.