Chennai Super Kings’ head coach Stephen Fleming explains MS Dhoni’s varying batting positions are due to physical constraints, particularly knee issues. Dhoni’s role is adjusted based on game situations, balancing leadership and wicketkeeping. CSK’s recent loss to Rajasthan Royals was attributed to a poor Powerplay performance and fielding errors compared to their opponents.

GUWAHATI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a tricky situation regarding MS Dhoni’s batting position. Having drawn a lot of criticism for coming in to bat at No. 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last week, Dhoni came in to bat at No.7 on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals.
His team needed 54 off 25 balls at that point, but Dhoni couldn’t take this team over the line. When he departed after scoring 16 off 11 balls (1×4, 1×6) — Shimron Hetmyer taking a superb catch at deep mid-wicket — CSK still needed 19 off the last five legal deliveries from Sandeep Sharma. They failed to go the distance and lost by six runs.
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Asked to explain Dhoni’s flickering appearances with the bat and his changing batting positions, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said, “It’s a time thing. It’s MS who judges it. His body, his knees aren’t what they used to be. 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.
“If the game is in the balance, he’ll go a little bit earlier and he backs other players when opportunities are up. So he’s balancing that. I said it last year, he is too valuable to us for leadership and wicketkeeping. To throw him in at 9, 10 overs… he’s actually never done that. So, from around 13, 14 overs he’s looking to go depending on the situation,” the former New Zealand captain said.
Analysing their second straight loss this season after the opening win against Mumbai Indians, Fleming said, “It’s probably the two Powerplays. Our Powerplay with the ball went for best part of 80 runs and we were only able to manage mid-40s or early-40s. That’s the big difference.
“We were also sloppy in the field compared to Rajasthan, who were outstanding. The start of a new three-year cycle (following a mega IPL auction) is always a little bit difficult, especially if you’re just short of a little bit of form.”