Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged that MS Dhoni’s body, particularly his knees, is not in the same condition as before, which limits his ability to bat higher up the order. While Dhoni still has the ability to time the ball as well as anyone, his physical limitations mean he cannot sustain long batting spells.
The issue emerged after CSK’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Chasing a daunting 197, Chennai struggled, and even though Dhoni played a blistering cameo, the match was well beyond their reach by the time he walked in. Despite hitting a quickfire 30* off 16 balls, CSK fell short by 50 runs.
Speaking after the match, Fleming explained Dhoni’s position in the batting order, emphasizing that his knee injury, which required surgery in 2023, prevents him from running at full intensity for extended periods.
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“MS judges his own game well. His knees aren’t what they used to be, and while he’s still moving okay, he can’t bat for 10 overs at full intensity,” Stephen Fleming said in the post-match press conference. “He assesses the situation. If the game is in the balance, he will go in earlier. But he also trusts the other players to take their chances.”
“Dhoni can’t bat 10 overs”
Yeah Flem, he doesn’t need to. That is why you were at the auctions table to make a team that will set a platform for him, not set him a req rate of 20 every game. pic.twitter.com/FstRZ8j7Ww
— Deepak Kumar Panda (@Deepsdkp) March 31, 2025
Fleming’s remarks indirectly addressed criticism from former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who questioned why Dhoni continues to bat lower down the order despite his ability to accelerate.
WATCH – MS Dhoni’s Dismissal Stuns Fans: Emotional Reactions Go Viral After RR vs CSK Thriller
In CSK’s next match against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni came in at number seven after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dismissal and built a 35-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. However, his knock wasn’t enough to take CSK over the line, as they suffered their second consecutive defeat.
With CSK still searching for their first win, Dhoni’s role in the batting order remains a talking point among fans and experts alike.
