IPL 2025: ‘He Can’t Bat’ – CSK Coach Stephen Fleming Reveals Why MS Dhoni Bats Late

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has explained why MS Dhoni is batting lower in IPL 2025. The 43-year-old wicketkeeper-batter continues to play despite concerns over his form and fitness. Fleming admitted that while Dhoni is still fit, he cannot bat for long periods like before.

Dhoni came in at number 7 against Rajasthan Royals when CSK needed 54 from 25 balls. He scored 16 off 11, but the team lost by six runs. Fleming defended the decision, saying Dhoni manages his batting time based on his fitness. He also added that Dhoni remains valuable as a leader and wicketkeeper, so the team cannot risk sending him too early.

The coach revealed that Dhoni prefers to walk in around the 13th or 14th over, depending on the situation. He trusts other players to take charge earlier in the innings. According to Fleming, Dhoni has never been the kind of player to bat from the 9th or 10th over, and he continues to make smart decisions about when to step in.

“It’s a time thing. MS judges it. His body, his knees aren’t what they used to be. He’s moving okay but there’s still a nutrition aspect to it. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us,” Fleming said.

“If the game’s in the balance like today, he will go a little bit earlier and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. So he’s balancing that. I said it last year, he’s too valuable to us, (with his) leadership and wicket keeping, to throw him in at 9- 10 overs. He’s actually never done that. So look, from around 13, 14 overs he’s looking to go, depending on who’s in,” Fleming concluded.