MS Dhoni’s
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a tournament full of surprises, tactical shifts, and strategic masterstrokes, and one of the most debated aspects each season is the batting position of MS Dhoni, one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for IPL 2025, the team’s coach has come forward to clear the air about MS Dhoni’s batting position, offering fans and critics alike a deeper understanding of the rationale behind this seemingly enigmatic decision.
The Dhoni Enigma
MS Dhoni’s batting position has always been a subject of intrigue. Throughout his IPL career, the former India captain has often batted lower down the order, especially in the later stages of his career. His ability to finish games, especially under pressure, is unparalleled. However, in the IPL 2025 season, there have been mounting questions regarding his position in the batting lineup, particularly as he ages and as the dynamics of CSK’s team evolve.
Many have wondered why Dhoni, despite his immense reputation as a game finisher, does not come in earlier in the batting order to make a bigger impact on the game. Fans have repeatedly asked: why does Dhoni continue to bat lower down the order? Is it a matter of tactical planning, fitness, or does he believe his experience and calm under pressure is most beneficial at the death?
This year, CSK’s head coach finally addresses these queries, revealing not only the reasoning behind Dhoni’s batting position but also why it works perfectly for the team in the context of IPL 2025.
The Coach’s Insight: The Thought Process Behind Dhoni’s Batting Position
In an exclusive interview, CSK’s coach elaborated on the strategic thinking behind MS Dhoni’s position in the batting lineup. According to the coach, MS Dhoni’s role as the team’s finisher, which is often misunderstood, is an incredibly deliberate and crucial part of the team’s strategy. The decision to have him bat at a certain position is not an arbitrary one; it’s built around a calculated approach, taking into account several factors—team balance, match context, Dhoni’s unique skill set, and, importantly, his leadership role.
1. Understanding the Role of a Finisher
The first and foremost reason for Dhoni’s position is his unparalleled ability as a finisher. The coach emphasized that MS Dhoni has the unique capability to read the game’s pressure points, assess the situation, and come up with the most effective ways to close out an innings. He has the rare gift of remaining calm under extreme pressure, and this is why he is best suited to come in during the middle or lower middle order, where his experience and skills can help CSK navigate difficult situations.
“A finisher’s role is crucial to the success of the team. MS has this knack for playing the situation, and that’s why he remains so effective in the final overs. Whether it’s 10 needed off 6 balls or 25 off 12, Dhoni knows how to get the job done,” the coach explained. This ability, combined with his temperament, makes him the perfect person to bat at the lower end of the order.
2. Team Balance and Flexibility
Another reason behind Dhoni’s batting position, as highlighted by the coach, is the overall balance of the team. CSK has historically prided itself on having a solid top order that can provide a steady foundation. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, and Moeen Ali are all capable of providing quick runs at the top. With an experienced lineup at the top, the team’s coach is comfortable letting Dhoni step in at a later stage to capitalize on the momentum built by the openers.
“In a T20 game, there’s a certain dynamic to the batting order. The top order is expected to get the team off to a good start. With players like Ruturaj and Devon, we know they can anchor the innings, so MS can come in when the game is in a certain phase,” the coach shared.
Dhoni’s position in the batting order is an adaptation to the team’s overall strategy, where the experienced finishers like him are tasked with closing out games. His role complements the other players’ skill sets and maximizes the team’s flexibility, ensuring that the middle and lower-middle order can handle any pressure situations that arise.
3. Managing Physical and Mental Fatigue
As MS Dhoni has moved into the twilight years of his playing career, physical and mental fatigue have become more prominent concerns. The coach highlighted that Dhoni’s age, combined with the physical toll of playing cricket at the highest level for so many years, has made it essential for him to conserve his energy. Batting lower down the order helps him stay fresh, both physically and mentally, for the crucial moments of the game.
“Dhoni doesn’t need to go out there and get bogged down in the early overs. The last phase of the game is where his presence is the most valuable. By allowing him to rest and only come in when needed, we ensure that he is in the right frame of mind when it’s time for him to take charge,” the coach explained.
While younger players might take on the responsibility of handling the initial overs, Dhoni’s role as a calculated game finisher remains his primary contribution. This tactic has proven successful for CSK, as Dhoni is able to conserve his energy for the most critical phases of the game, ensuring that his performances are more effective when the team needs him the most.
4. Experience and Leadership Role
Another key point the coach made was that MS Dhoni’s leadership qualities play a significant role in his batting position. Dhoni’s ability to read the game and make split-second decisions is unmatched, and this extends beyond the role of the captain. His experience allows him to stay calm, adapt to changing conditions, and make wise decisions on when to accelerate the scoring or when to hold back.
“MS is not just a batter. He is a captain on the field, and his experience in handling pressure makes him the ideal person to take control during the death overs. He knows when to attack and when to defend, which gives the team the best chance of winning,” the coach noted.
By batting lower down the order, Dhoni is also able to observe the game from the crease, reading the bowlers, the fielding placements, and the match situation with clarity, which helps him make the right decisions when it is his time to bat.
Conclusion: Why It Works for CSK
The reason behind MS Dhoni’s batting position is a well-thought-out strategy that caters to the team’s needs, his abilities, and the demands of modern T20 cricket. With an emphasis on finishing games, managing physical fatigue, leveraging experience, and maintaining team balance, the decision makes complete sense from a tactical perspective. It ensures that CSK can utilize Dhoni’s unparalleled skills to close out games and maintain pressure, maximizing his impact in high-stakes situations.
As IPL 2025 unfolds, MS Dhoni’s position in the batting order will continue to be one of the key talking points. However, after understanding the reasoning behind this decision, it’s clear that his role as a finisher remains vital to the team’s success. Whether he’s walking in with five overs left or just the final over to go, MS Dhoni’s presence in the lower order gives CSK the edge in managing pressure, finishing strong, and ultimately, achieving victory.
