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According to Stephen Fleming, coach of the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni's batting position in the lineup is all about time because the renowned wicketkeeper is not as fit as he once was. In the batting order, Dhoni has assumed a slightly more significant position. Dhoni's entry at No. 9 during the home defeat to RCB drew harsh criticism from both supporters and detractors. Dhoni entered the game at number seven against the Rajasthan Royals, scored 16 runs off of 11 balls, and was removed in the last over as CSK lost by 6 runs.
Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni
Fleming stated that Dhoni's knees are not as good as they once were during the press conference held after the game. The CSK coach stated that the 43-year-old assesses his final contribution to the squad because the wicketkeeper-batter is unable to bat for extended periods.
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According to Fleming, Dhoni balances that job by encouraging others to seize opportunities when they present themselves.
"Yeah, it's a time thing. MS judges it. His body is, his knees aren't what they used to be. And he's moving okay, but there's still an attrition aspect to it. He can't bat 10 overs running full stick. So he will gauge on the day what he can give us. 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," Fleming said.
Fleming stated that despite Dhoni's limited batting role, the 43-year-old's leadership and wicket-keeping skills still make him too valuable for CSK.
"I said it last year [as well], he's too valuable to us - leadership and wicket-keeping - to throw him in nine, ten overs. He has actually never done that. So, look, from around 13-14 overs, he's looking to go depending on who's in," said Fleming
On Saturday, April 5, Dhoni will play for CSK at home against the Delhi Capitals.
