MS Dhoni Batting At Nine In CSK Vs RCB, IPL 2025 Match Befuddles Many - Check Who Said What

Dhoni came to bat at number nine with a loss for CSK almost confirmed. When the 43-year-old reached the crease, CSK needed 98 runs to win the match in 28 balls on a Chepauk track that was helping RCB spinners.

Dhoni did score an unbeaten 16-ball 30 but the game was already gone by the time he arrived. Former cricketers and experts are all perplexed by CSK's decision to hold on to Dhoni for so late in the game despite the veteran showing his hitting skills every time he bats.

Shane Watson, ex-Australia star who played for CSK as well, was among the many who thought Dhoni should have batted higher.

"If CSK had sent him in earlier, they would have had a better chance of crossing the line. Of course, the crowd absolutely loved what he did tonight, but if he had come in sooner, CSK might have had a stronger shot at victory," he said.

Former India all-rounder who also played for CSK Irfan Pathan also disagreed with Dhoni's batting position.

“I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team," Pathan wrote on X.

Robin Uthappa, another ex-CSK star, also could not make sense of what happened. “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 didn’t make sense at all," Uthappa said. "Him coming earlier could have helped CSK라이브 바카라 NRR in their campaign this year."

"That coaching staff (CSK), they do not have the guts to tell MS Dhoni to move up the order. Once he has decided, that's it," said Manoj Tiwari who has played with Dhoni for India and for Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL.

"Dhoni usually bats during 19th-20th over, today he arrived early. Either he arrived early, or their batters lost their wickets quickly (today)," Sehwag said joking about Dhoni's batting position against RCB.