'MS Dhoni's body, knees aren't what they used to be': CSK coach Fleming reveals why Thala is batting lower in IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been making headlines for his lower-than-usual batting order in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
While fans have been left puzzled by his late entries, head coach Stephen Fleming has revealed that the 43-year-old is carefully managing his body, particularly after undergoing knee surgery in 2023.
The five-time champions have not been having a great tournament so far, with two losses in three games already. As for Dhoni's batting position, CSK coach Stephen Fleming has finally answered the question on everyone's mind.
“Yeah, it's a time thing,” Fleming told reporters. “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.”
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Dhoni, 43, who is known for his match-finishing prowess, batted at No. 9 during CSK’s 50-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last week and at No. 7 in their narrow six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. Despite his limited time at the crease, he impressed with a 30* off 16 balls against Bengaluru and 16 off 11 balls against Rajasthan.
Fleming said that while Dhoni remains a crucial part of the team, long batting stints may no longer be a regular feature for the former CSK captain.
“So he'll gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game's in the balance, he'll go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. So he's balancing that,” Fleming said.
This comes amid flak from former cricketers like Virender Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary and other experts, who have been questioning