Former Indian National Cricket Team Captain and CSK Legend MS Dhoni’s batting position in IPL 2025 has sparked debates among fans and experts. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend has mostly been batting at No. 7 to No. 9, a move that has drawn mixed reactions.

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After CSK’s six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the issue putting an end to speculation about Dhoni’s place in the lineup.

In CSK’s previous game at Chepauk, Dhoni enthralled fans with a quickfire 30 off 16 balls* smashing three sixes and two boundaries. However his position at No. 9 raised eyebrows with critics questioning why he wasn’t sent earlier. 

In the game against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni walked in at No. 7 with CSK needing 54 runs off 4.1 overs. However he couldn’t guide his team to victory.

Speaking at the post-match press conference Fleming revealed that Dhoni’s knee condition plays a crucial role in determining his batting position the CSK coach emphasized that Dhoni carefully manages his workload and enters at a stage where he can contribute effectively.

“Yeah, it’s a time thing. MS judges it. His body is… his knees aren’t what they used to be. And he’s moving okay, but there’s still an attrition aspect to it. He can’t bat ten overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance like today, he will go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. So he’s balancing that,” he added.

Fleming also highlighted Dhoni’s leadership and wicketkeeping value explaining why he won’t be thrown into long batting stints.

"I said it last year as well he's too valuable to us in terms of leadership and wicketkeeping. He has never batted nine, ten overs consistently. From around the 13-14th over, he’s looking to go, depending on who's in."