"Bizarre." This was the most succinct of the numerous fervent reactions received when R Ashwin stepped onto the field on Friday night, with the Chennai Super Kings at 80 for six, pursuing a target of 197 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The term "bizarre" was not used due to the identity of the batsman, but rather due to the absence of another.

At 43 years old, Mahendra Singh Dhoni transcends the label of a middle-aged cricketer. In Chennai, throughout India, and likely in many regions worldwide, he embodies an emotion akin to that of Sachin Tendulkar. Although time has slightly dulled some of his striking prowess, with 117 runs required from 43 balls, who would you prefer at the crease?

Would you rely on Ashwin, who has six Test centuries but a strike rate of 120 across 326 Twenty20 matches? Or would you choose Dhoni, who matches that number of Test centuries but boasts a significantly higher T20 strike rate of 135.74 over an impressive 393 games?

It is likely that regardless of who batted at No. 8, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru would have emerged victorious. In nearly every scenario, needing 117 runs from 43 balls with four wickets remaining typically favors the defending team. There is little reason to believe that Dhoni's presence instead of Ashwin would have altered the outcome for CSK. Yet, one cannot help but ponder the possibilities and the potential margin of defeat. This contemplation arose even before Dhoni scored 30 not out off 16 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Ashwin's brief innings lasted eight balls, yielding only 11 runs.

This discussion is not a comparison between Ashwin and Dhoni. It cannot be, as there can only be one victor. Rather, it centers on Dhoni's significance within the CSK framework and the value he contributes, regardless of his age. No. 9? Mahendra Singh Dhoni? Surely, that cannot be the case.

What is MS Dhoni doing at No.9?

This is the individual for whom nothing seemed unattainable during his peak. While it is undeniable that he has moved beyond his prime, even a version of Dhoni that is past his best remains a significantly stronger option than Ashwin at his peak in T20 cricket. He may even surpass Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7 or Sam Curran at No. 5, and he is certainly far superior to Deepak Hooda, who occupies the No. 4 position. So, why is Dhoni batting at No. 9?

In one of his infrequent interviews, Dhoni expressed to the host broadcaster before the season that he felt ‘useless’ if he wasn’t behind the stumps. This statement could not be more accurate. A prime example of this was his lightning-fast stumping of Suryakumar Yadav during CSK’s impressive win over the Mumbai Indians in their opening match of the tournament. But No. 9? Really, MS, is that the best option?

To reinforce this perspective, Dhoni struck two sixes and a four in the final over of a disappointing run-chase against Krunal Pandya, a left-arm spinner who can effortlessly reach speeds of 100 km/h. These two sixes were impressive enough to momentarily distract the CSK supporters from the fact that their team had lost a home match to their southern rivals for the first time in 17 years. It also raised questions about why Dhoni was batting so low in the order when he still has much to contribute to the team, both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman.

Dhoni's journey from an awkward outsider, struggling with the local dialect, to becoming Chennai's most recognizable figure—surpassing even icons like Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan—is a unique success story. His down-to-earth demeanor and lack of arrogance resonated deeply with a proud community that has historically embraced heroes from outside, albeit with some skepticism. His long hair, exceptional skills behind the stumps, and unmatched performances with the bat endeared him to the fiercely loyal Chennai fans. With five titles to his name, including a remarkable victory in 2018 after a two-year suspension, Dhoni has solidified his status as a true icon. For CSK supporters, there is nothing about Dhoni that raises doubts. However, their confidence is now wavering after witnessing him bat at No. 9—an unthinkable scenario.

Dhoni's ability to hit sixes remains undiminished, as Pandya can attest. At 43, he may not appear or perform like someone of his age. As CSK aims for an unprecedented sixth title, they will require more from their leader, but not beyond his capabilities. This is the essence of the 'bizarre' theme.

Read Also: 'CSK Legend's Surprising Decision to Bat Dhoni at No. 9 Confounds Uthappa and Pathan'

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