Dhoni scored 30* off 26 balls as CSK fell 25 runs short in the chase of 184.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni’s batting position has become a topic of debate in the ongoing Indian Premier Legaue (IPL) 2025 season.
There was a lot of backlash on social media as Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 9 during CSK’s marquee clash against RCB at Chepauk last month. While the wicketkeeper-batter scored 30* off 16 balls, the team fell 50 runs short in the chase of 197.
On Saturday (April 5), Dhoni came out to bat at No. 7 in the 11th over but he failed to change CSK’s fortunes in the home fixture against Delhi Capitals.
The veteran campaigner finished unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls – a knock that might seem decent on paper. However, it was painfully slow in the context of the game as the five-time champions were chasing a stiff target of 184.
Dhoni’s first 18 balls fetched just 13 runs and it was only in the 18th and 19th overs that he showed flashes of his aggressive hitting, slicing a four past backward point and launching a six over long-on. But by then, the game had already slipped away, with CSK needing 64 off the final three overs.
While Dhoni and Vijay Shankar (69* off 54) forged an unbroken 158-run stand for the fifth wicket, CSK’s innings was eventually restricted to 158/5 in 20 overs.
After the game, a number of fans on social media questioned Dhoni’s approach in the chase, with many calling for his retirement.
Here are the reactions: