MS Dhoni’s No. 9 Batting Stint: Sanjay Manjrekar’s Bold Take

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a significant remark regarding MS Dhoni’s position in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting order during their IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Dhoni, known for his finishing skills, walked in at No. 9, raising questions among fans and experts.

CSK’s Tactical Decision Raises Eyebrows

During CSK’s chase of a challenging total set by RCB, the team opted to send players like Sam Curran and Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of Dhoni. This decision puzzled many, as Dhoni has built his reputation as one of the most effective finishers in cricket history. The move sparked debate over whether Dhoni is still being utilized optimally or if his role in the team is evolving.

Manjrekar’s View on Dhoni’s Role

Sanjay Manjrekar did not hold back in expressing his thoughts on Dhoni’s batting position. According to him:

MS Dhoni’s role in the game has evolved from pure performance to a symbol of influence and legacy. While he still delivers flashes of brilliance, his presence now resonates more as a brand than just a player.

Manjrekar’s statement suggests that Dhoni’s current role in CSK might be shifting away from being an on-field game-changer to more of a symbolic figurehead, which has fueled discussions among cricket pundits.

Impact on CSK’s Strategy

Sending Dhoni at No. 9 had multiple implications:

• Reduced Chances of a Classic Dhoni Finish: With fewer overs left, Dhoni had limited opportunities to make a game-changing impact.
• Increased Pressure on Other Batters: The move put additional responsibility on younger players to handle pressure situations.
• Tactical Experiment or Sign of Transition?: Some analysts believe CSK is experimenting with different batting orders to prepare for a post-Dhoni era.

Fan Reactions to Dhoni’s Batting Order

Dhoni’s supporters were visibly frustrated with the decision, as they expect him to play a more active role in the chase. Social media was flooded with reactions, questioning whether the move was strategic or a sign of a diminishing role for the former CSK captain.

Dhoni’s Performance in the Match

Despite the late entry, Dhoni played a quick cameo, scoring crucial runs. However, it was not enough to steer CSK to victory as RCB secured a commanding win.

What’s Next for Dhoni and CSK?

With IPL 2025 still in its early stages, it remains to be seen whether Dhoni will continue batting lower in the order or reclaim his role as a finisher. CSK’s management may need to reassess their strategy to ensure they fully utilize their most experienced player.

Conclusion

Sanjay Manjrekar’s remarks have added fuel to an already heated discussion. While Dhoni remains an iconic figure in CSK and IPL history, his current role has raised questions about whether he is still the finisher he once was or if CSK is preparing for life beyond him. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Dhoni’s batting position and performance, making this one of the most intriguing storylines of IPL 2025.

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