CSK coach gives concerning update about MS Dhoni’s health amid criticism over him batting down the order

CSK coach Stephen Fleming disclosed MS Dhoni's knee problems, which hinder his batting position, amid criticism after CSK's recent losses.

CSK coach gives concerning update about MS Dhoni’s health amid criticism over him batting down the order

CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed that MS Dhoni is not fully fit, and has been struggling with knee issues. (via NDTV Sports)

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that CSK talisman MS Dhoni is struggling with knee issues, which makes it unlikely for him to bat higher up the order. It comes amid criticism over the 43-year-old’s abilities following two back-to-back defeats for the side. 

The five-time IPL winners have endured a difficult start to the 2025 IPL campaign. CSK won its opening encounter against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, with new recruits Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed shining with the ball in a low-scoring encounter at the Chepauk. MI could only post a total of 155 runs, which was chased down by the CSK batters, courtesy of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra’s half-centuries.

However, against MI, the Men in Yellow did take 19.1 overs to reach the target, highlighting their batting deficits. Cut to their second game of the season; CSK were handed a humiliating 50-run defeat by RCB. Chasing a target of 196 runs, Chennai could only make 146 runs, losing eight wickets. A middle-order collapse and the failure to utilize the power play overs by the CSK batters resulted in a defeat.

The match against RCB was followed by another disappointing loss to a struggling Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. The Men in Yellow, in another woeful batting display, failed to chase a target of 183 runs. This has effectively left the five-time champions at the bottom half of the 2025 IPL table. They have won just one out of their three matches till now.

Another major talking point, apart from the team’s poor middle-order form, has been the role of veteran MS Dhoni. The aging 43-year-old former CSK captain, against RCB, came out to bat at number nine at a time when they had already lost the match. He did score a blistering knock of 30 runs off 16 balls, but it was of no avail. Even against RR, Dhoni, despite coming on early, failed to help his team win the match. 

Questions have risen over the veteran wicket-keeper batsman’s ability to finish matches. Responding to the questions, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that the 43-year-old is suffering from knee issues, and his health is not what it used to be like before. Dhoni has been struggling with a knee injury over the past few years and even underwent surgery for the same in 2023. Fleming revealed that the 43-year-old cannot bat for ten overs straight in a match.

It’s a time thing, MS [Dhoni] judges it. His knees aren’t what they used to be… He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick, so he will gauge on the day what he can give us.

Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni (H/T BBC)

Despite the struggles with the aging CSK star superstar, Fleming noted MS Dhoni’s value within the team in terms of leadership and wicket-keeping.  Nonetheless, Chennai will be looking to bounce back when they next face Delhi Capitals. 

Cheteshwar Pujara questions MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s game plan following CSK’s dismal defeat

Ex-CSK batter and Indian Test star Cheteshwar Pujara questioned MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s game plan in the final overs in CSK’s seven-run defeat to RR on Sunday. The Men in Yellow failed to chase down a competitive total of 183 runs at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. 

Pujara on MS Dhoni Ravindra Jadeja
Cheteshwar Pujara questioned MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s poor game plan, against RR. (via Cricket Addictor)

Dhoni and Jadeja were in charge when CSK needed 54 off the last four overs. The presence of the two veteran Indian stars left fans with hopes for a win. However, the two faltered as a result of Rajasthan’s good death bowling. Pujara later stated that Dhoni and Jadeja did not accelerate in the final overs and instead focused on building a partnership, which ultimately cost CSK the match.

They left it a little longer. They could have accelerated when [Ravindra] Jadeja and MS [Dhoni] were batting, they could have gone hard a little earlier.

Cheteshwar Pujara following CSK’s defeat to RR (H/T NDTV Sports)

Meanwhile, Pujara also urged CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to look at different batting combinations and include 2023 IPL star Devon Conway in the playing XI. He even stated the need to drop Rahul Tripathi, who has been opening the innings ahead of the CSK captain.