Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a crushing 50-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in IPL 2025. MS Dhoni grabbed headlines in the first innings with a lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Phil Salt, but in the second innings, he made news for a completely different reason, leaving the entire cricketing fraternity surprised.
While chasing 197 runs, Dhoni came out to bat at number nine, even after Ravichandran Ashwin. Eventually, he smashed an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls, finishing as CSK’s highest run-scorer in the innings. However, the question remains—why did he not come in earlier when the equation was still within CSK’s reach? The decision has raised concerns over CSK’s tactical approach.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan voiced his disapproval, taking to social media to express that he does not support Dhoni batting at number nine. His concerns were echoed by Robin Uthappa, Dhoni’s former teammate at CSK, who found the move baffling. While praising RCB for their victory, Uthappa stated that Dhoni, batting so low made no sense and would not have benefited CSK’s net run rate.
Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also questioned the decision, expressing surprise over Dhoni’s late entry. Similarly, RevSportz’s editor-in-chief, Boria Majumdar, stated that Dhoni should not be batting at number nine if he is playing, as it is unfair to both his and CSK fans.
As CSK prepares for their next game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati, the big question remains—will Dhoni return to his finisher’s role, or will CSK persist with this unexpected tactic?
Here are the tweets:
Important win for RCB. A win at the fortress in Chepauk will be a huge boost in their campaign this year. Dhoni coming at number 9 dint make sense at all. Him coming earlier could have helped CSK’s NRR in their campaign this year.
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) March 28, 2025
Dhoni at no 9 🤔?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2025
I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 28, 2025
MSD at 9. Is this fair to his fans? Don’t really know if CSK fans are happy with this.
If he is playing he is surely doing so because he knows he still has it in him. Wants to play. Can’t bat 9 surely. @RevSportzGlobal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) March 28, 2025
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