Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a disappointing defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their recent IPL 2025 match, losing by 50 runs. A significant point of contention was the decision to have veteran MS Dhoni bat at No. 9, a move that sparked widespread criticism and confusion among fans and cricket experts.
During the match held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK were chasing a daunting target of 197 runs but struggled early, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Despite the dire situation, Dhoni did not come out to bat until the 16th over, after the fall of Ravichandran Ashwin’s wicket. By this time, CSK’s chances of victory were slim, and Dhoni’s late cameo (30 not out) off 16 balls was deemed ineffective.
Cricket experts react on Dhoni batting at 9
Dhoni’s unusually low batting position at No. 9 has drawn criticism from former cricketers and commentators.
Irfan Pathan was firm in his stance, stating he would never support Dhoni batting so deep in the order.
I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 28, 2025
Robin Uthappa questioned the strategy, arguing that it didn’t make sense and pointing out the missed opportunity to improve the team’s net run rate.
Uthappa even suggested that if Dhoni had batted earlier, he might have reduced the margin of defeat and minimized the net run-rate impact.
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
Harsha Bhogle also appeared perplexed by the CSK team management’s decision to send Dhoni after the fall of the eighth wicket.
Dhoni at no 9 🤔?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025 – Fans go wild as RCB humbles CSK to breach fortress Chepauk after 17 years
Meanwhile, former India batter Virender Sehwag playfully teased Dhoni during a discussion on Cricbuzz, joking that the CSK legend had come out to bat earlier than usual, as he typically prefers the final two overs.
“Jaldi aa gaye na” (He came out to bat early), quipped Sehwag, sparking laughter among the panel.
Ex-India cricketer Manoj Tiwary, also part of the discussion, chimed in, saying, “We were joking that maybe he would walk in at No. 10.”
Sehwag further added, “When he came in, 16 overs had been bowled. Usually, he arrives in the 19th or 20th over, so technically, he was early. Either he came out to bat early, or his batters lost wickets too quickly.”
Nah this is so embarrassing😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0uShSG5N6S
— Suprvirat (@ishantraj51) March 28, 2025
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