IPL 2025: He's Too Valuable to Us! Fleming Stands by Dhoni’s Late Batting Shift
IPL 2025: Fleming Stands by Dhoni’s Late Batting Shift as Knees Falter
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has stepped up to defend MS Dhoni’s shifting batting positions in IPL 2025, attributing the 43-year-old legend’s late entries to his aging knees.
Following CSK’s six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where Dhoni batted at No. 7 and scored 16 off 11 balls, Fleming addressed the growing chorus calling for the former captain to retire or move up the order.
“Yeah, it’s a time thing,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference. “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 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us.”
Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery after IPL 2023, has dazzled with his wicketkeeping but struggled to anchor long innings, a reality laid bare after his No. 9 stint against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last week—where he scored an unbeaten 30 off 16—failed to turn the tide.
Fleming emphasized Dhoni’s strategic approach: “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.” Against RR, chasing 183, Dhoni entered with 54 needed off 25 balls, hitting a six and a four but falling short.
Critics argue this limits his impact, yet Fleming insists, “He’s too valuable to us—leadership and wicketkeeping—to throw him in at nine, 10 overs. From around 13-14 overs, he’s looking to go.”
As fans clamor for Dhoni’s retirement post-RR loss, citing CSK’s back-to-back defeats, Fleming’s defense highlights a delicate balance—preserving a legend’s legacy while adapting to his physical decline. With CSK facing Delhi Capitals next on April 5, Dhoni’s role remains a polarizing puzzle.
