On Friday, March 28, 2025, cricket fans witnessed an unexpected twist during the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. MS Dhoni, the iconic former CSK captain and one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, walked out to bat at number 9—a decision that sparked intense debate across the cricketing world. While Dhoni remained unbeaten on 30 off 16 balls, CSK suffered a 50-run defeat chasing RCB’s 196/7. This blog post dives deep into what might justify Dhoni’s unusually low batting position against RCB, explores expert opinions, and analyzes the strategic reasoning behind this bold move.
Why Did MS Dhoni Bat at Number 9 Against RCB?
MS Dhoni batting at number 9 in an IPL game is a rare sight, especially given his reputation for turning matches around with his explosive finishing skills. However, several factors could justify this tactical decision by CSK in their IPL 2025 encounter with RCB. Let’s break it down:
-
- Preserving Dhoni for the Death Overs
At 43, Dhoni has transitioned into a specialist finisher role in recent IPL seasons. His strike rate of 220.54 in IPL 2024 showcased his ability to dominate the final overs. By batting at number 9, CSK might have aimed to maximize his impact in the death overs (16-20), where his power-hitting could reduce the margin of defeat or, in an ideal scenario, chase down a steep target. Against RCB, with the required run rate soaring past 16 after 13 overs, holding Dhoni back could have been a calculated move to unleash him when pace bowlers like Josh Hazlewood or Yash Dayal were likely to bowl.
- Preserving Dhoni for the Death Overs
-
- Testing the Middle Order’s Depth
CSK’s batting lineup in IPL 2025 includes strong players like Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Sending Ashwin (at number 8) ahead of Dhoni could have been an experiment to test the middle order’s resilience under pressure. With CSK at 81/6 after 13 overs, the team might have wanted to assess how players like Jadeja and Ashwin could handle a collapsing chase before bringing in Dhoni as the last resort.
- Testing the Middle Order’s Depth
-
- Tactical Disruption Against RCB’s Bowling Plans
RCB, aware of Dhoni’s prowess against them (864 runs at a strike rate of 141.87 in 33 IPL innings), likely prepared specific strategies to counter him earlier in the innings. By delaying his entry, CSK could have aimed to disrupt RCB’s bowling plans. For instance, RCB captain Rajat Patidar placed close-in fielders when Dhoni finally arrived, expecting a cautious start. Sending Ashwin ahead might have thrown off RCB’s rhythm, forcing them to adjust their tactics mid-chase.
- Tactical Disruption Against RCB’s Bowling Plans
-
- Dhoni’s Fitness and Workload Management
At this stage of his career, Dhoni’s physical condition is a key consideration. Batting higher up requires more time in the field, potentially draining his energy for wicketkeeping duties. By coming in at number 9, CSK could have been managing his workload, ensuring he remained fresh for his lightning-quick stumpings—like the one that dismissed Phil Salt (32 off 16) earlier in the game.
- Dhoni’s Fitness and Workload Management
-
- Match Situation: A Lost Cause?
With CSK needing 116 runs off 42 balls when Shivam Dube fell in the 13th over, the game was slipping away. Dhoni’s late entry might reflect a pragmatic choice to avoid exposing him in a hopeless chase, preserving his aura and confidence for future games while letting others take the pressure.
- Match Situation: A Lost Cause?
Expert Opinions on Dhoni Batting at Number 9
Dhoni’s decision to bat at number 9 didn’t sit well with many cricket pundits, while some saw it as a strategic gamble. Here’s what experts had to say:
-
- Aakash Chopra (Former Indian Cricketer)
Chopra expressed bewilderment, stating, “CSK fans really love the sight of Dhoni walking into the middle and smashing sixes. But CSK fans must also want their team to win. And with the kind of hitting form that Dhoni has shown of late, it’s only logical to expect him to give himself enough time to win games for CSK. Ashwin ahead of Dhoni vs RCB didn’t make sense.” He argued that Dhoni’s cameo (30* off 16) proved he could have made a difference if promoted earlier.
- Aakash Chopra (Former Indian Cricketer)
-
- Irfan Pathan (Former Indian All-Rounder)
Pathan was critical, saying, “I will never be in favor of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for the team.” He emphasized that Dhoni’s experience and finishing ability warranted a higher position, especially when CSK were in trouble at 26/3 early in the chase.
- Irfan Pathan (Former Indian All-Rounder)
-
- Robin Uthappa (Former CSK Teammate)
Uthappa echoed Chopra’s sentiments, noting, “Dhoni coming at number 9 didn’t make sense at all. His contribution towards the end was spectacular for the fans, but they expect the cricketer to give himself more time to win games for the team.” He highlighted the missed opportunity to leverage Dhoni’s form.
- Robin Uthappa (Former CSK Teammate)
-
- Sanjay Bangar (Former India Batting Coach)
Bangar took a harsher stance, remarking during commentary, “The required run rate is above 16, they are 5 wickets down, and yet Dhoni has not come to bat. He is embarrassing his fans.” He suggested that Dhoni’s delay undermined CSK’s chances and disappointed his loyal supporters.
- Sanjay Bangar (Former India Batting Coach)
-
- Harsha Bhogle (Cricket Commentator)
Bhogle kept it short but telling, tweeting, “Dhoni at no 9 ?????” His reaction captured the disbelief shared by many, questioning the logic behind the move.
- Harsha Bhogle (Cricket Commentator)
-
- X User Sentiment (@skrimyyy)
Offering a contrarian view, an X user suggested, “Of course, RCB prepared for MSD to bat up the order in case the middle order collapsed. They sent Ashwin to throw them off… smart move IMO.” This perspective hints at a tactical ploy that some fans appreciated.
- X User Sentiment (@skrimyyy)
Analyzing the Outcome: Did It Work?
Dhoni’s 30* off 16, including two sixes off Krunal Pandya in the final over, was a reminder of his brilliance. However, CSK finished at 146/8, falling 50 runs short. While his late flourish reduced the defeat margin, it couldn’t mask the batting collapse or the questionable strategy. RCB’s bowlers—Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Yash Dayal (2/18), and Liam Livingstone (2/28)—had already sealed the game by the time Dhoni arrived.
Historically, Dhoni has dominated RCB, averaging 39.27 against them with a highest score of 84*. His late entry in this game might have been a tactical experiment, but it didn’t yield the desired result. CSK’s first home loss to RCB since 2008 underscored the need for better batting order decisions in crunch situations.
Conclusion: A Bold Call That Divided Opinions
MS Dhoni batting at number 9 against RCB in IPL 2025 was a polarizing decision. It could be justified as a tactical move to disrupt RCB, preserve Dhoni’s energy, or test CSK’s depth—but the consensus among experts leans toward it being a misstep. With his proven track record against RCB and unmatched finishing skills, fans and analysts alike expected more from the CSK legend. As IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on how Dhoni and CSK adapt. What’s your take—strategic genius or a rare blunder? Drop your thoughts below!
Link – thesportsadventure
