CSK coach Stephen Fleming reveals MS Dhoni dilemma: "A time thing"

Following CSK's recent loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati, Fleming acknowledged that Dhoni's ability to bat for extended periods has changed, and the team must adapt accordingly.

Dhoni, who is now 43, has been struggling with knee issues, which have affected his mobility and endurance. "His body's not what it used to be. He can't bat for long periods, running at full speed," explained Fleming. "He gauges his ability on the day and decides when he can contribute. If the game is in the balance, he'll step up earlier, but he also backs the other players when the situation allows."

This isn't to say CSK are struggling to fit the legendary Dhoni into their lineup, though. Fleming emphasized that the captain remains indispensable for his leadership and wicketkeeping skills. "He's too valuable to bat in the middle order for too long," he continued. "You won't see him batting in the first nine or ten overs. From around the 13th or 14th over, he's ready to come in, depending on who's at the crease."

Despite the challenges, CSK's recent match against RR presented the latest puzzle regarding Dhoni's batting position. With 54 runs required off 25 balls and the match delicately poised, Dhoni came in when CSK had lost four wickets by the 12th over. The team had previously sent Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of Dhoni in their match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where the game was also slipping away from them.

The tension surrounding Dhoni's batting position is amplified by the fervent fanbase, who fill the stands at Chepauk and Guwahati with hopes of seeing their captain at the crease. But the hype around Dhoni's entry often seems to overshadow the team's actual game plan.

The introduction of the Impact Player rule has helped extend Dhoni's IPL career, but he's not been able to hit a single boundary in a successful chase since the rule was implemented. This highlights CSK's tendency to only bring him in when the outcome seems almost decided. Yet, when Dhoni has batted in live chases, he hasn't been able to pull off match-winning performances, which raises questions about his place in critical moments.

In their defeat to RR, CSK may have made a significant tactical misstep by sending Dhoni in with Jadeja when the team required 45 runs off three overs. With RR's spinners on the attack, both Jadeja and Dhoni have struggled against spin in recent seasons, with their strike rates hovering under 110. This left the pair to face Maheesh Theekshana in the 18th over, where they could barely muster a meaningful shot, ending up with just six runs from the over.

Despite RR's strong bowling efforts, including the tight final two overs, CSK's issues go beyond their batting order. They face the dilemma of how to maximize Dhoni's leadership on the field while managing his declining physical capabilities. While the team acknowledges Dhoni's value, the only other wicketkeeper in their squad has limited experience, with just one match for his state team.

Looking ahead, CSK may need to adapt by rethinking how they use Dhoni in future innings. One option could be to pair him with a more aggressive batter, such as Shivam Dube, who could counter the spin threat and allow Dhoni to come in as a pinch-hitter when necessary. It's a strategy CSK haven't typically relied on, but it might be the fresh approach they need to handle their captain's evolving role in the squad.

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