Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni has surprised fans by batting lower than usual in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), but head coach Stephen Fleming says it’s a calculated decision to manage the 43-year-old’s fitness.
Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, batted at number nine in CSK’s 50-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and at number seven in its six-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. While his sharp wicket-keeping remains a highlight, his batting role appears to be evolving.
“It’s a time thing,” Fleming said. “MS judges it. His knees aren’t what they used to be, and while he’s moving okay, there’s still an attrition aspect to it. So he’ll gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance, he’ll go in earlier; otherwise, he backs other players.”
Despite coming in late, Dhoni has still made an impact — scoring 30 off 16 balls against Bengaluru and 16 off 11 against Rajasthan. Fleming emphasised that the former CSK captain remains invaluable beyond just his batting.
“I said it last year — his leadership and wicket-keeping are too important for us,” the New Zealander added. “From around the 13-14 over mark, he’s looking to go, depending on the situation.”
With speculation swirling around his role, all eyes will be on Dhoni when CSK faces Delhi Capitals at home on Saturday.
