MS Dhoni has been batting lower in Chennai Super Kings’ lineup over the last few IPL seasons, despite his powerful hitting. The former CSK captain recently explained the reasoning behind this shift, citing two key factors.
During IPL 2023, Dhoni played the entire season with a knee injury, which limited his movement and running between the wickets. After undergoing surgery post-season, he continued batting lower in IPL 2024 for a different reason. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Dhoni wanted teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, who were strong contenders for India’s squad, to showcase their abilities.
“I had a little issue with my knee (during IPL 2023) but last year it was more manageable. Also, there was selection for the (T20) world cup. If you look at our team Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube were among the contenders. So, you obviously want to give them the chance (to stake their claim),” Dhoni said on JioHotstar.
“Mera selection nahi hona hai (I am not going to be selected and not competing for a spot). And they were doing the job (well). It’s not like that franchise is getting harmed if you are promoting players. Overall, if everybody is fulfilling their responsibilities and taking the pressure of then why not? So that was the thinking behind. But if they weren’t playing that well then, the thinking changes. If a decision benefits everyone, then why not?” he added.
MS Dhoni Denies Influence Over CSK Captaincy
Notably, MS Dhoni stepped down as Chennai Super Kings captain in IPL 2024, handing over the role to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite speculation that Dhoni was making key decisions, he clarified that Gaikwad handled almost all captaincy duties.
“Before the start of the tournament (IPL 2024), I told him, ‘If I am giving you advice, it doesn’t mean you have to follow it. First and foremost, I will try to stay away. During the (IPL 2024) season, a lot of people said maybe I am doing all the background (decisions), but all the decisions were his. Only thing I said was ‘have a very good idea about angles when it comes to the field’. You tell me you want a deep point and according to the batsman, wicket and the bowler, I will set where it needs to be. So that’s why you see a lot of hand gestures and all,” Dhoni said.
He also highlighted the importance of having a focal point on the field, especially with the captain positioned in the outfield.
“Being a wicketkeeper, especially if the captain is fielding on the outside, they need a focal point. So that’s why people thought that I am still doing it and he’s just there. But the fact is he was doing 99 percent of the things. The most important calls – bowling changes, field placements — were all his. I was just helping him out. He did a brilliant job of handling the players,” the skipper added.
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In their series opener, Chennai Super Kings started with a solid four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. Opting to bowl first, CSK made early inroads as MI lost three wickets in the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma tried to rebuild, but Noor Ahmad’s four-wicket spell derailed the innings. MS Dhoni’s sharp stumping sent Suryakumar back, while MI struggled to gain momentum.
Chasing 156, CSK lost Rahul Tripathi cheaply, but Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra kept the innings steady. Ravindra anchored the chase with an unbeaten 65, building a crucial stand with Ravindra Jadeja. CSK sealed the win in 19.1 overs, ensuring a strong start to their season.
