MS Dhoni’s evolution as a cricketer has always fascinated fans and analysts alike. Once revered for his ability to anchor innings and finish games with an air of invincibility, Dhoni has, in the twilight of his career, embraced a different role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK). For the past couple of IPL seasons, the CSK legend has been batting lower down the order, a surprising decision considering the damage he can still inflict with his powerful hitting.
Recently, MS Dhoni shared the reasoning behind this strategic shift, revealing that it wasn’t merely a matter of age or fading prowess. During the IPL 2023 season, Dhoni was spotted with a strapped left knee during practice sessions. It was later disclosed that the former India captain played the entire season nursing a knee injury, which required surgery post-season.
With restricted movements, running quick singles and twos became a challenge, prompting him to reconsider his position in the batting order. The decision wasn’t just about managing his fitness; it was about maximizing the team’s potential. However, IPL 2024 presented a different context.
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Held just before the T20 World Cup, Dhoni’s focus shifted from personal performance to providing a platform for his teammates — specifically Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube. Both players were in contention for India’s World Cup squad, and Dhoni’s choice to bat lower allowed them to showcase their capabilities under pressure.
Speaking about the decision in an interview with JioHotstar, MS Dhoni remarked, “I had a little issue with my knee during IPL 2023, but last year it was more manageable. Also, there was selection for the T20 World Cup. Jadeja and Dube were among the contenders, and I wanted to give them a chance to stake their claim.”
Dhoni’s unselfish approach is a testament to his deep understanding of team dynamics and his role as a mentor. “Mera selection nahi hona hai (I’m not competing for a spot). And they were doing the job well. If a decision benefits everyone, then why not?” he added.
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While this shift in Dhoni’s batting role may have sparked debates, the man himself remains unfazed. He addressed murmurs that the new “Impact Player” rule helps him retain his spot in the CSK lineup.
“When it first came out, I said one thing — IPL is in such a good position; there’s no need to spice it up further. The rule does and doesn’t help me. I still have to keep wickets and stay involved in the game,” MS Dhoni explained.
Dhoni’s ability to adapt to changing game dynamics is also evident in his altered batting approach. Known for dragging matches deep and crafting miraculous finishes, Dhoni has now become a batter who aims to strike from the outset. He attributes this shift to better pitches and the evolving standards of batting techniques.
“The way we played in 2008 and how we played last year’s IPL — it’s very different. The wickets have improved, and so has the level of cricket,” he shared.
As IPL 2025 unfolds, CSK has already made a strong start, winning their opening game against Mumbai Indians. Dhoni, despite his limited batting time, showed glimpses of his iconic lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps, securing the key wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. While his role may have changed, Dhoni’s impact on CSK remains as profound as ever — guiding, mentoring, and always thinking two steps ahead.
