Dhoni’s No.9 Batting Slot Sparks Fresh Debate: ‘What Is He Thinking?’
9 days ago | 5 Views
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is currently in full swing, yet a significant topic of discussion has emerged regarding MS Dhoni's batting order for the Chennai Super Kings. Following his appearance at No. 9 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), there was considerable backlash on social media. In response, the five-time champions adjusted their strategy, allowing the wicketkeeper-batsman to bat at No. 7 against the Rajasthan Royals. Amidst the ongoing discussions, Robin Uthappa has expressed his confusion over Dhoni's lower batting position.
In the match against the Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni entered the field at No. 7 when the game was still uncertain. The 43-year-old managed to score 16 runs off 11 balls, but CSK ultimately fell short by six runs.
In the earlier match against RCB, although Dhoni scored 30 runs from 16 balls, his arrival at the crease came too late to influence the outcome, resulting in a 50-run defeat for CSK.
Uthappa has voiced his bewilderment regarding Dhoni's decision to bat at No. 9 against RCB, particularly given the potential impact he could have had had he batted earlier.
"Frustrated. Absolutely frustrated. What is happening here? He might as well have batted even lower than No. 9; it wouldn’t have changed anything. I would say ‘befuddlement’ is too mild a term. What is the rationale? By the time he comes to bat, the game is already lost. When (Ravichandran) Ashwin comes in, it’s clear that the chances of winning are minimal," Uthappa remarked on The KimAppa show with cricket analyst Jarrod Kimber.
"The only strategy left is to improve your net run rate. The margins in the IPL are incredibly narrow towards the end, so it’s crucial to keep your net run rate as positive as possible," he added.
'Confuses me'
The team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad has experienced consecutive losses against RCB and the Rajasthan Royals, resulting in the franchise's position dropping to seventh place.
Uthappa expressed that Dhoni should have batted higher in the order against RCB, particularly when the required run rate had significantly increased.
"What puzzles me is that the asking rate was quite high during the 13th and 14th overs in the match against RCB. I thought there was no way MS would bat lower than number eight, as at that position, you still expect the other players to shoulder most of the responsibility. So, if it came down to a critical moment, I would be there," Uthappa remarked.
"However, when the critical moment arrived, it escalated further, and he was still present. This raises questions about the rationale behind this decision, as it does not bode well for CSK," he continued.
Previously, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the issue of Dhoni batting lower in the order, stating that he is unable to bat for extended periods due to the decline in his knee condition compared to earlier times.
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